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No matter how well the Dodgers have hit during this run since June 22nd, it has been the pitching that really brought the Dodgers to their first double-digit division lead since 1977. The Dodgers returned home and the pitching just kept on rolling, as Ricky Nolasco and Kenley Jansen combined for the team's 18th shutout beating the Red Sox 2-0.
The game featured more former Red Sox players on the LA Dodgers than vice versa, former Dodger and Red Sox outfielder Reggie Smith threw out the first pitch and he spoke fondly of both stops during his brief interview.
Lackey and Nolasco started off the game in fine form, Nolasco allowing just one hit while Lackey retired the first 9 Dodgers in order.
The duel continued until the bottom of the 4th, former Red Sox, Carl Crawford lined a solid single for the Dodgers first hit, Yasiel Puig popped out. Adrian Gonzalez lined out to deep right center. After Ramirez got behind, Crawford stole second on a wild pitch. Hanley Ramirez with a line drive home run to right center to give Nolasco and the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.
The Red Sox tried to rally in the top of the 5th, getting consecutive singles to put runners on first and second. Then a groundball went into Juan Uribe's glove and a 5-4-3 double play ended that threat.
Ricky Nolasco pitching as well as he has wearing Dodger blue, gave up only 2 hits, no walks and 6 strikeouts in 8 innings. John Lackey wasn't doing much worst aside from one pitch to Hanley Ramirez, giving up 3 hits, no walks, 6 strikeouts and one very hard hit two-run home run in his 8 innings of work.
Kenley Jansen came in the 9th inning, probably surprised by the time of night as the game was not quite 2 hours old when he warmed up. Jansen retired the first two Red Sox on strikeouts and then faced old friend Shane Victorino who Jansen retired via a pop up to Ramirez.
Up next
The Dodgers and Red Sox play an afternoon affair on Fox with a pair of lefties on the mound Hyun-Jin Ryu and Jon Lester.
Friday's particulars
Home run: Hanley Ramirez (13)
WP - Ricky Nolasco (10-9): 8 IP, 2 hits, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts, 1 hit batter
LP - John Lackey (8-11): 8 IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts, 1 home run
Sv - Kenley Jansen (22): 3 up and 3 down; 2 strikeouts