Dodgers News: Hill Rebounds as the Offense Explodes
Even the bright lights of New York City cannot slow down these Dodgers. Behind another offensive explosion full of home runs, and a solid start from Rich Hill, the Dodgers defeated the Mets 7-4 in Queens for their third consecutive win.
With the win, the Dodgers have now gone 43-7 in their last 50 games, good for the third best 50 game stretch of all time. The 2013 Dodgers had set the previous franchise record when they went 42-8 during their magically run. This season feels different though and coming into the game, the Dodgers felt confident with the man they had on the mound.
Move over 42-8… #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/wBUSgSS2QI
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 5, 2017
Hill was recently named the National League Pitcher of the Month for July and had been on quite a hot streak stretching back into June.
Going beyond July, Rich Hill's ERA is 1.88 in his last seven starts.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 5, 2017
Hill did not get off to the start he wanted as he allowed 5 hits in the first inning including 3 home runs. Michael Conforto led off the game with a home run to right center and Wilmer Flores and Curtis Granderson followed with back-to-back two out home runs later in the inning. But Hill settled down after the first and finished with a solid 5 innings of work, blanking the Mets for the remainder of his time on the mound.
Rich Hill's final line today. #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/kTnbj2VOF4
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 5, 2017
Early on, Mets’ starter Seth Lugo was making the record breaking 43rd win seem like an impossible task. He was in complete control as the Dodgers did not collect their first hit until the 5th inning.
Grandal with a two out double for the #Dodgers first hit
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 5, 2017
But the 6th inning belong to the offense as they finally broke through. Chris Taylor lead off the inning with his 15th home run of the year, and following a Justin Turner 1 out single, Cody Bellinger got the Dodgers even.
Swing big, then round the bases.@Cody_Bellinger’s all about it. pic.twitter.com/OpBdhJ7ONX
— MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2017
Cody Bellinger is on pace to be 1st @MLB player with a 40-homer year, in an age-21 season or younger, since Eddie Mathews in 1953. @Dodgers
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 5, 2017
The offense was not done however as Yasiel Puig unloaded for his career high 20th home run in the 7th and Justin Turner hit his 12th homer of the year in the 8th.
Puig your tiebreaker. pic.twitter.com/iB2RFsVers
— MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2017
Not to be outdone, Corey Seager absolutely crushed a two run homer to deep right field in the 8th to break the game open.
The bullpen took over for Hill in the 6th and closed out the victory. Brandon Morrow, Pedro Baez, newly acquire Tony Watson and Ross Stripling combined to finish the win allowing only a single run in the 9th inning.
With the victory, the Dodgers move to 78-32 on the year. They will go for their 15th sweep of the year as Hyun Jin Ryu faces Steven Matz Sunday night.
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