Game Recap: Machado Rakes and Buehler Deals in Win
The Dodgers and Astros squared off again on Sunday afternoon, with Los Angeles looking to avoid the sweep. Two fireballers took the start in this one, with young Walker Buehler facing off against the red-hot Gerrit Cole. The warm weather wasn’t the only thing bringing the heat in this one.
Walker Buehler's 91st and final pitch was a 98-mph fastball to strike out Tyler White. He left to a nice ovation.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 5, 2018
Walker Buehler has been building off his starts since he came back from his disabled list stint. He certainly brought his firepower with him in this one, striking out eight Astros over 5.1 innings of work. He did not allow any base on balls, but he did nail two batters.
Buehler held Houston to two runs on four hits and left the game with men on. He was bailed out of that one by Dylan Floro. Floro tossed 1.2 innings of scoreless work, striking out two in the process. Floro has not allowed a run in his last five appearances.
Scott Alexander followed that with a scoreless outing of his own. He allowed one walk that was it. Kenley Jansen came on to close the game out for his 31st save of the season.
The Offense
The bats finally woke up on Sunday, and it could not have come at a better time. Brian Dozier got the scoring going early, dropping a two-run double just out of the reach of a diving George Springer. Bellinger knocked in the only other Dodgers run of the game with a gapper of his own.
Manny Machado also broke out of his mini-slump in this one as well. He went 3 for 4 with a double and pair of singles. He scored two of the three runs for Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers have an off day on Monday, their first rest since the All-Star break. They play a two-game series against the Athletics in Oakland and then head to Colorado for a four-game series with the Rockies.
Dodgers Lineup: Game Two Against Houston Was Confusing
We struck gold on these last trades that we made. I had never seen Manny play prior to the All-Star game. I was somewhat aware of his bat but man that guy can handle the leather. Brian is such an improvement at second, particularly with his bat. I liked Logan as a person but he just lets the pitcher get so far ahead of him that he can never catch up.
I appreciate the guys that the Dodgers have been getting….not just for their baseball skills but they seem to be good and caring people. We need more of them, not just in baseball but in America.
I guess John Axford was picked up to make Pedro Baez look good.
It’s odd, but I’ve always felt that, overall, you get better people in MLB. than any other sport.