Recap: Rich Hill’s Stellar Performance Salvages Machado’s Dodger Debut

After a strong first half, the Dodgers returned to action to open the final stretch of the long season. Prior to the game, the Dodgers formally introduced Manny Machado to the team as he prepared to make his debut with the ballclub.

Rich Hill matched up against Wade Miley as the Dodgers faced the Brewers in Milwaukee on Friday.

On the Mound

Rich Hill came into the game posting a 1.76 ERA in his career at Miller Park. He continued his dominance at that ballpark, allowing just one run and striking out nine battings in six innings. His counterpart, Wade Miley, also pitched a gem, surrendering one unearned run through six innings.

The Dodgers bullpen made the game interesting. Daniel Hudson served up a home run in the eighth inning to cut the lead to 3-2. Dylan Floro failed to record an out in the ninth inning as he allowed two runs of his own. Despite leading 6-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers put in Kenley Jansen to extinguish the fire as he earned his 28th save of the year.

Offense

Machado lived up to the hype in his Dodgers debut going 2-3 and reaching base four times.

Settling in just fine. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/JCJDzbQc96

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2018

As a team, the Dodgers recorded 11 hits and six runs but left 16 runners on base.

Through six innings, the two teams were tied, 1-1. Chris Taylor scored on a pass ball in the third inning for the Dodgers. Christian Yelich put Milwaukee on the board with an RBI double in the sixth inning to score Manny Piña.

The Dodgers broke the tie in the seventh inning. Yasmani Grandal and Chase Utley came off the bench with back-to-back hits. Utley later came around to score on a single by Taylor. Taylor went on to score when Max Muncy doubled to center field.

After a Jesus Aguilar home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, Kiké Hernández returned the favor with a three-run home run to give the Dodgers a 6-2 lead.

Yelich cut the lead to 6-4 on a two-run triple, but it wound up being too little, too late for the Brew Crew.

Analysis

The Dodgers did not lose a beat as they opened the second half. Rich Hill pitched lights out, Manny Machado impressed in his debut and Kiké Hernández came through with the big hit.

The team still needs to address their bullpen situation. Their relievers remain a liability and with the trade deadline 10 days away, they have time to fix this hiccup in their roster.

Looking Ahead

Clayton Kershaw will match up against Chase Anderson on Saturday at 4:10 PM PT. The Dodgers have won all three of Kershaw’s starts in July.