The Dodgers took game 2 of the series with a 9-1 win over the Diamondbacks behind the arm of 24-year-old Julio Urias and bat of 23-year-old Gavin Lux.
The game started with fireworks after Mookie Betts blasted a solo home-run over the left-field wall for his fourth leadoff home-run in Dodger blue.
The Diamondbacks matched Mookies solo homer the next inning. Nick Ahmed doubled on a line drive to center, scoring Andrew Young.
Chris Taylor put the Dodgers ahead with a soaring two-run homer over the center-field wall giving the Dodgers a 3-1 edge.
“Mechanically I’m in a good place,” said Taylor. “I feel good up there at the plate. I’m comfortable and have more time to see the ball.”
Julio Urias pitched an excellent game. Urias threw 92 pitches in 6 ⅔ innings allowing one run and three hits. Urias bolstered his record to 6-1 on the season, matching veteran Clayton Kershaw with six wins.
“With Julio, he’s a lot more efficient and not as predictable,” said Dave Roberts. “He’s as seasoned as any pitcher around the league. I don’t really care about age, it’s how he handles big games.”
In the month of May, Gavin Lux has grown into his role with the team. Prior to Tuesday, in 14 games Lux has 16 hits with one homer, eight RBIs, and six runs.
“Gavin has freed himself to be himself on the baseball field,” said Roberts on his young infielder. “He’s playing more relaxed and letting his ability take over. He’s played as well as anyone this month.”
Lux added to his total Tuesday night with a mammoth grand slam in the bottom of the seventh extending the Dodger lead to 8-1.
“He’s looked really good, you can tell he’s much more comfortable,” emphasized Taylor on Lux. “Now you’re starting to see the results. He has more aggression in his trade and he’s less passive.”
With multiple guys on the injured list for the Dodgers, the young guys have needed to step up. And in a big way they have.
Kershaw will take the mound for game 3 on Wednesday.
