Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
After yesterday’s blowout loss to end the win streak, the Dodgers looked like they might get shutout in the first game of the doubleheader today. But after seven scoreless innings, the Dodgers put up an impressive three-run rally in the 8th to complete a late comeback and take the 3-1 victory over the Marlins.
Despite the winning streak ending, the Dodgers have still won 16 of their last 18 and could make it six series wins in a row with a win later today.
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The Dodgers went with a bit of a pen game, starting with opener Caleb Ferguson, who gave up a two-out infield single followed by a regular single, and was saved from runs by a James Outman catch in center.
Next up was bulk boi Ryan Pepiot making his season debut, and he looked sharp in a 12-pitch 2nd, and after a one-out Jorge Soler walk and Luis Arraez single cornered the runners in the 3rd, David Peralta turned a double play from right field by catching a Josh Bell liner and throwing out Soler at home for a double play. Credit to Austin Barnes on the tag as well.
David Peralta, right fielder, with a seed for a double play at home. Austin Barnes with a smooth pick and tag. pic.twitter.com/uu2Xe97La4
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) August 19, 2023
This kid was PUMPED when Austin Barnes tagged him at home pic.twitter.com/PYybgD9adY
— ʎ u u ɐ p ?⚾️ (@gatodejazz) August 19, 2023
Unfortunately, the first run of the game was scored by the Marlins in the 4th behind an infield single by Jake Burger, which was immediately followed by a double from Bryan De La Cruz to make it 1-0.
Pepiot didn’t allow anything further, as he struck out the next two to close the 4th, got a clean 5th, and issued just a two-out HBP in the 6th, but still left trailing.
A promising season debut for him nevertheless: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 75 Pitches.
Ryan Yarbrough took over in the 7th, inducing two routine fly outs and a nasty front-door curve strikeout.
Ryan Yarbrough painted front door curve. pic.twitter.com/OJ7f6ppZNQ
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) August 19, 2023
He also got the 8th on just nine pitches, though he did get help from Amed Rosario on what looked like an infield single.
I dunno, Amed Rosario looking pretty good at second at least. pic.twitter.com/LkLOx8yJBb
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) August 19, 2023
So … all of that was nice, but the problem was Eury Perez was back up with the Marlins and absolutely dominated. He gave up a two-out double in the 2nd and a single and wild pitch in the 4th, but that was literally it.
He struck out 10 batters over six innings in a dominant performance, the only thing saving the Dodgers from a shutout was his 90 pitches, his age, and the Marlins being understandably cautious with the special young arm.
In relief of him was Andrew Nardi, who had a tough task to follow that, but retired the side in the 7th on just six pitches.
David Robertson followed in the 8th, and that’s when the Dodgers rallied, as a one-out walk from Outman was followed by an Enrique Hernandez single to corner them up. Barnes continued to execute, laying down a perfect safety squeeze to score Outman and tie things up, then Mookie Betts immediately followed with a single to drive two in and take a 3-1 lead.
Mookie Betts gives the Dodgers a lead in the 8th with a two-run single. pic.twitter.com/zFa9RPDi9G
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) August 19, 2023
Despite a double from Freddie Freeman with one out and an intentional walk to Max Muncy to load things up with two outs, they weren’t able to push more across.
No matter.
After all that drama, it was Evan Phillips in the 9th to close things out. He cruised through the frame, getting a 1-2-3 inning on just five pitches.
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| NL WEST | RECORD |
|---|---|
| Dodgers | 75-47 |
| Giants | 64-58 (11 GB) |
*Either still playing or will play later.
Game 2 is scheduled for 3:10 PM HT/6:10 PM PT/9:10 PM ET and will be between Julio Urias and somebody.
