Recap: Joc Pederson Helps Dodgers Slam Their Way To Win Over D-Backs
The Los Angeles Dodgers looked to continue their early dominance at home this season Friday night as they welcomed the Arizona Diamondbacks to town in what was the fourth regular-season meeting between the two teams.
Carlos Frias became the eighth pitcher to start a game for the Dodgers this season and got off on the right foot by retiring the side in order in the first inning. Rubby De La Rosa didn’t have as easy of an inning, particularly after issuing a one-out walk to Jimmy Rollins.
Howie Kendrick then worked a 10-pitch at-bat that unfortunately for him and the Dodgers, ended in a swinging strikeout. De La Rosa followed that by also striking out Adrian Gonzalez to keep the game a scoreless tie.
Frias opened the second inning with a strikeout of Mark Trumbo. After walking David Peralta and allowing a single to Yasmany Tomas, he induced Tuffy Gosewich into an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play. Justin Turner led off the second inning with a solo home run to center field that A.J. Pollock appeared to have a play on, only to watch the ball carry just enough to clear the fence and Pollock’s leaping attempt.
Andre Ethier followed with a single to right field and De La Rosa issued back-to-back walks to load the bases with no outs. The former Dodgers prospect got some relief as he next faced Frias, who he struck out on three pitches. The success was short-lived for De La Rosa as Pederson cleared the bases on the next pitch with his first career grand slam to extend the Dodgers’ lead to 5-0.
Both pitchers retired the three batters they faced in the third inning and Frias got the first out in the fourth inning on one pitch before Paul Goldschmidt singled to left. It wouldn’t amount to anything for the Diamondbacks however, as Frias retired the next two batters.
Frias didn’t allow a baserunner in the fifth and the Dodgers continued to lead, 5-0. De La Rosa similarly settled in as he retired 11 consecutive batters in a row through five innings.
CONTINUE READING: Andre Ethier Joins Home Run Party, Bullpen Protects Lead
