Recap: Clayton Kershaw Strikes Out 10, Dodgers Have 6-Run Inning
Nick Markakis led off the top of the fifth with a single to, which ended Kershaw’s chances at the second no-hitter of his career. Simmons also singled with one out, but Kershaw was able to get out of the jam without allowing a run by striking out Christian Bethancourt.
Kendrick hit a one-out single in the bottom of the fifth, and that was followed by a Gonzalez opposite field home run, pushing the Dodgers’ lead to 8-0. With the home run, Gonzalez reached 1,001 career RBIs, becoming the 12th active player to reach the 1,000 milestone.
Cameron Maybin hit a two-out single in the sixth, though it was to no avail as Freddie Freeman went down swinging to cap off Kershaw striking out the side. Markasis hit a leadoff double in the seventh and took third on a wild pitch.
With the their best opportunity to breakup the shutout, the Braves failed to capitalize. Jonny Gomes and Simmons both struck out, and Pedro Ciriaco grounded out to end the inning. Pederson hit a leadoff single in the bottom of the seventh, but was soon after erased on a Rollins double play ball.
Eric Stults, who was rumored to potentially be part of the Uribe trade, completed another scoreless inning out of the bullpen by getting Kendrick to ground to Jace Peterson. J.P. Howell took over for Kershaw in the eighth, who exited with 10 strikeouts in seven shutout innings.
Howell retired the first two batters faced before Peterson reached on a Kendrick error. Maybin drew a two-out walk, but the Braves were again unable to plate a runner who reached scoring position as Freeman struck out for a fourth time on the night.
Sergio Santos tossed a scoreless ninth inning to complete the Dodgers’ 8-0 win. The loss was the Braves’ eighth in the last nine games at Dodger Stadium.
[divide]Adrian Gonzalez After 1,000th RBI, Saying Bye To Juan Uribe
