Dodgers Hold Off Cards in Series Opener

The Dodgers and Cardinals opened up a four-game series Thursday night, sedning their ace to the mound. Clayton Kershaw got the start facing off against the rookie Austin Gomber. As it turns outs, the offense would steal the show on both sides.

RECAP: @ClaytonKersh22 fans eight, Manny Machado goes 3-for-4 with 3 RBI and a home run as #Dodgers take series opener from Cardinals, 9-7.

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?: https://t.co/80sh3Grni5 pic.twitter.com/IwPqzA3d3d

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 14, 2018

Kershaw looked sharp early, depsite giving up a run in the first. He ended up striking out eight Cardinals and walking two. The wheels came of a bit in the fifth inning though, and he didn’t get much help from his defense. He allowed three runs in the inning, two of which were earned. He finished six innings being charged six earned runs.

The offense got it going early and really never looked back. David Freese made his triumphant return to St Louis and promtly drilled a two-run triple down the line in left to start the game. Kemp added one on a base hit in the following at-bat.

Manny Machado had a big night, with thre big hits. He drobe in three runs, including a solo shot in the seventh. The offense just kept rolling all night long. Kershaw even knocked in a run to help out his own cause. Los Angeles’ offense put up nine runs on 16 hits against a very good Cardinals team.

The Bullpen

The relief help is where things got real interesting. Kenta Maeda came in to pitch 1 1/3 and allowed a run. Caleb Ferguson came on and pitch a perfect two-out appearance. Then came Kenley Jansen, with a four-run lead in the ninth. Jansen walked the leadoff hitter and then allowed a single to Jose Martinez. He didn’t hit any of his spots and left his pitches all up in the zone.

After getting Ozuna to pop up, he walked Paul Dejong to load up the bases. Gyorko grounded into a force out and Machado air mailed the throw to first trying to end the game. Two scored, and that brough up Matt Adams with a chance to tie the game. Thankfully, he grounded out to first to end the game.

Looking Ahead

The two teams will be back at it again Friday evening, with two young guns set to duel. Jack Flaherty will go for St louis, facing off against Walker Buehler. In his last start against the Cardinals, Buehler tossed seven scoreless innings striking out nine.