Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
The Dodgers are playing some of their best ball at the right time, winning their fourth straight game tonight and marking the third straight game in which the offense has scored eight or more runs. They also had to make a comeback against frequent tormenter Eric Lauer, eventually prevailing over the Brewers, 8-6.
Still, that wasn’t the story.
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Regardless of anything else that happened, the story of the game was clearly that Clayton Kershaw was taking the mound in potentially his last appearance as a Dodger.
Then to make matters worse, he exited with an injury that sure sounds like a resurfacing of the elbow problem.
Kershaw ended up surrendering three runs and Brusdar Graterol relieved him and gave up two more, neither looking like they’re gonna be on the postseason roster for different reasons.
So despite striking first in the 1st with a Trea Turner homer, the Dodgers would have to erase a four-run deficit to stay in the NL West race.
Well, they did exactly that and then some.
Against nemesis Lauer, the Dodgers miraculously rallied in the 5th, with consecutive singles from Austin Barnes, Albert Pujols, and Mookie Betts to load the bases. Then — who else? — Trea unloaded them by uncorking a grand slam to tie it at 5-5.
In the 7th, the Dodgers surged ahead. Matt Beaty put them in front with a pinch-hit solo homer, continuing to thrive in his potential playoff role.
Betts was then hit, Seager singled, and both advanced on a wild pitch. After Trea was intentionally walked to load things up, another wild pitch scored Betts, and Max Muncy later reached on an infield single to drive in another and make it 8-5.
Meanwhile, things were quiet for the Brewers thanks to the Dodgers pen. After Graterol, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Justin Bruihl, and Blake Treinen combined 4.2 scoreless innings.
That was ruined in the 8th thanks to Joe Kelly, as a walk, steal, and a single lead to a run. Kenley Jansen was eventually called upon to get a four-out save, and he would’ve done so in order if not for an error at second by Trea.
Still alive.
Barely, but there.
