Dodgers: Immaculate Pitching, Hot Bats Lead Series Win Over Mariners

Everything was clicking for the Dodgers on Sunday afternoon as they closed out their first series victory this month in immaculate fashion.  

Before Clayton Kershaw even stepped on the mound, the Dodgers’ offense would provide more than enough run support to let him cruise toward his 150th career win.  

The offense hit around in the top of the 1st against the Mariners’ Cuban left-hander Roenis Elias, who was activated just hours before Sunday’s series finale.  After 4 singles and 2 walks, fellow countryman Yasiel Puig would deliver the 2-run single that put the game out of reach early.

The Dodgers would finish off the 1st with 5 runs, and 3 stolen bases – more than they had in the entire month of July.

Kershaw joins Elite Company

Kershaw was fantastic while notching his 6th victory this season, tossing 7 innings of 1 ER baseball to drop his season ERA to 2.40.  His command was particularly impressive.  In 88 pitches, Kershaw managed to throw 71 strikes, further demonstrating the positive strides he’s made since returning from the DL with a lower-back strain.  With the win Kershaw becomes just the 7th Dodgers pitcher to have 150 career wins with the club, and now sits just 15 wins shy of fellow southpaw Sandy Koufax.  

The Mariners’ offense finally broke through in the 4th, with the lone run scored by “Corey’s brother” (Kyle Seager).  But the Dodgers’ offense would return the favor swiftly, adding runs in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th behind 17 total hits and home runs by Hernandez and red-hot Justin Turner – who extended his MLB-best hit streak to 13.

.@kikehndez knew, the pitcher knew, we all knew. pic.twitter.com/h9J7r3TIxk

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 19, 2018

The bullpen bounced back after an embarrassing extra-innings loss last night, which included Dylan Floro balking in the game-winning run.  Daniel Hudson and Zac Rosscup covered the final 2 innings superbly – Hudson looked very capable of taking over the closer duties, striking out 2 batters in his first appearance off the DL.

Rosscup makes history…

In what almost seemed like an afterthought, Zac Rosscup made history in the bottom of the 9th.  He became the 1st Dodger this season, and 93rd in history, to throw an immaculate inning – sitting down the heart of the Mariners order on 9 pitches.

Nine pitches, nine strikes. Zac Rosscup was immaculate. pic.twitter.com/v8lgHXYnuv

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 20, 2018

Looking forward…

The team will head back to Los Angeles to begin a 6-game home stand that includes the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.  Alex Wood will lead the charge against the surging Cardinals, in search of his 8th win this season, in a series that will almost certainly have playoff implications.