The Dodgers put a stifling defense on the Padres and shut them out 6-0. Pitcher Tony Gonsolin in his second spot start led the way by retiring eight straight batters in the victory. “Tony got us off to a good start and was in command since pitch one, the split change was on point tonight, and it was good to see us get a lead and push a couple across late,” says Manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers were hitting on all cylinders from communication, offense, and defense. In the fifth inning, Edwin Rios ignited the Dodgers run with a base hit and led to a score. Shortly after, reigning NL MVP Cody Bellinger added fuel to the fire by knocking the ball leftfield, which gave the Dodgers the lead 3-0.
Following the big hit from Bellinger, shortstop Christian Taylor hit a situational bunt that gave the Dodgers some energy. “The drag bunt was on him, that was good stuff. CT doesn’t bunt very often, so to have him do that surprised everyone.” Roberts states it was great having the extra energy. He loves the homers as much as anybody, but to manufacture the win is fun too. Having that versatility fuels the offense also, Roberts explained. Justin Turner spoke about the bunt from Taylor. “Sometimes, when things aren’t clicking, you have to do some different things, and manufacture runs yourself.”
Turner hit his second home run of the season that changed the game. The fifth inning was an offensive explosion for the Dodgers. “That fifth inning could have been the game,” said Roberts. Turner told reporters how creative and strategic the team has to be when they are struggling to score. “Sometimes when things are not going right, and you’re not getting hits, you got to manufacture wins, whether it is bunting, mixing in safety runs, squeezes, whatever you need to do build momentum and confidence for the offense.”
Dodgers are now 12-7 and sit in second place in the NL West. They are taking games one day at a time. “It’s always been our mentality here to win one game at a time and take it day by day. Nothing changes in this 60 game season. Every game is important. We worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.”
The Dodgers will play the Los Angeles Angels on Friday at 6:40 PM.
