Robinson Chirinos spoils Dodgers' comeback effort

Justin Turner gave the Dodgers new life, but it turned out to be borrowed time. Robinson Chirinos led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a walk-off home run against Josh Ravin, giving the Rangers a 3-2 win on Tuesday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

The Dodgers were held scoreless into the ninth inning, when a one-out walk by Howie Kendrick was followed by a game-tying two-run home run to left field by Turner, spoiling a great effort by Rangers starter Chi Chi Gonzalez, in just his fourth major league start.

The rally continued with two-out singles by Yasmani Grandal and Alex Guerrero, but Jimmy Rollins flied out to end the inning and keep the game tied.

Josh Ravin entered in relief in the ninth, but his outing lasted only three pitches, allowing the walk-off shot to Chirinos.

Gonzalez kept the Dodgers off balance nearly all night, allowing five hits and two walks in 8⅓ innings, continuing a disturbing trend.

On the five-game road trip the Dodgers scored all of six runs (five earned) in 35⅔ innings against opposing starting pitchers, with 24 hits, 10 walks and 21 strikeouts.

The last four opposing starting pitchers — Ian Kennedy, James Shields, Yovani Gallardo and Gonzalez — have pitched at least seven innings, the first time four straight starters did that against the Dodgers since Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse, Jake Westbrook and Matt Cain of the — surprise! — Cardinals and Giants did so from July 24-27, 2012.

Brett Anderson pitched eight strong innings himself to keep the Dodgers close, inducing 13 ground ball outs and allowed just two runs.

Both runs were tied to Prince Fielder running. In the first inning, a two-out walk to Fielder was followed by singles from Kyle Blanks and Mitch Moreland. On the latter, a single to left field, Fielder was sent home but slipped rounding third base. Had Fielder stayed upright, he would have been easily thrown out at the plate to end the inning. Instead, he stayed at third to prolong the inning, then scored when Joey Gallo walked.

With runners on first and third base in the fifth inning and two outs, Fielder hit a slow roller to third baseman Turner, who threw high to first base, prolonging the inning and allowing Hanser Alberto to score. Amazingly, Turner wasn't charged with a throwing error on the play; instead, Fielder was awarded a base hit.

Anderson matched Mike Bolsinger, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, each with one eight-inning start this season for the Dodgers' longest start of the season.

Up next

Both teams shift the series to Los Angeles, with Kershaw starting for the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Rangers will counter with left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, which is perfectly timed with the expected activation of outfielder Scott Van Slyke from the disabled list on Wednesday.

Tuesday particulars

Home runs: Justin Turner (6); Robinson Chirinos (6)

WP - Shawn Tolleson (2-1): ⅔ IP, 2 hits

LP - Josh Ravin (2-1): 1 batter, 1 home run