Ross Stripling took the mound today for the Dodgers, hoping to help the boys in blue avoid a sweep at the hands of the hapless Reds, and further frustration at the tail end of this often frustrating season. If the Dodgers hoped an early start time on a getaway day would be the charm to bring them victory, those hopes were quickly dented when old friend, Jose Peraza, took Stripling deep for a solo home run in the first inning. Further damage was inflicted when the Dodgers went nine up-nine down the first time through their lineup.
It took four innings to happen, but Joc Pederson got the Dodgers on the board with a solo, game-tying homerun – for the second game in a row. Which probably means he’ll be sitting out the next game.
A bit of controversy came up in the same inning when Yasmani Grandal hit a ball deep to right center field, but a young fan reached over the wall and caught it about 3 feet below the top of the wall. The umpires ruled the hit a double and awarded a run to Max Muncy, who was on first after singling earlier. Dodgers up 2-1.
Dave Roberts pulled Ross Stripling after 3 1/3 innings, but he only gave up one run and left winning.
The Dodgers stayed hot in the fifth, when Yasiel Puig singled, Pederson doubled, and Justin Turner scored them both with a two-RBI single. Later, Grandal and Cody Bellinger knocked in a couple more to put the Dodgers up 6-1.
The boys went up 7-1 behind doubles from Puig and Justin Turner. They tacked on another in the eighth.
The bullpen (pretty much everyone except Kenta Maeda) stepped up and did their jobs as well, holding the Reds scoreless from the fourth inning on, allowing the Dodgers to glide into an 8-1 win.
With 16 games remaining, the Dodgers head for home just one game out of first place. Stay tuned!
Oscar Martinez
I was born in the shadow of Dodger Stadium and immediately drenched in Dodger Blue. Chavez Ravine is my baseball cathedral, Vin Scully was the golden voice of summer all my life, and Tommy Lasorda remains the greatest Dodgers manager ever. My favorite things are coffee, beer, and the Dodgers beating the Giants. I also blog about my baseball card hobby at All Trade Bait, All the Time.
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Dodgers salvage a win, and save face (somewhat). Ex-Dodger Peraza once again tried to spoil the Dodger hopes, but the Dodgers prevailed, this time.
Will this propell the listless Dodgers into St Louis with a bit of confidence, only time will tell.
Stripling faired well upon his return. Well enough to leave the game leading, and the BP held the fort.
Once again, Lot of runs, but lots of blown opportunities, as well. Machado, Bellinger, and Kiké still sputtering at the plate.
I am still not confident with this pitching staff, or offense. Today’s win has not convinced me that they are playoff worthy.
“Dodgers Decimate Reds 8-1. Head for St. Louis with Momentum”
Seriously that is one of the greatest heading I have seen in quite some time. I can feel that momentum surging through my body.
I agree with much of your points, Oscar and I appreciate your love, passion and enthusiasm for the Boys of Slumber. I feel ya. But it’s the “Momentum” that is hilarious to see in Headlines. Keep up the good work and thank you for your input and recap of games.
We have won ONE game against the very lowly Cincinnati Reds, that too is hilarious.
A one game winning streak is not momentum. Had they swept the Reds, maybe, but they are 3-3 on a trip they needed to be above .500 on. The Cardinals are way better than the Reds. The bats had better heat up pretty fast and the pitching needs to be almost perfect. Rockies managed to pull their game out, so the deficit is still 1.5 games. They need 3 of 4 from St Loo, then they get the Rocks on Monday.
Michael,
Do you think they will sign ‘the smirk’? He has not really produced like a top player. Just compare him with JT and he falls quite short for the amount of money he will command. Will FAZ fall for him?
Milwaukee looks like the team that will secure its berth in the playoffs, at the moment. I watched the game with Chicago today. Both Cain and Yellich are the hottest 1-2 punch in the Nat’l League. This is a team to watch. Whether they will displace the Cubs or get a WC spot, I don’t know, but they are far better than any team in the West. Meanwhile, the Dodgers continue to tease…………