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Chris Taylor found a creative way to break out of a slump on Monday against the Phillies. Mired in an 0-for-15 slump entering the series, the Dodgers outfielder hit the second pitch of the game high off the left center field wall, then the ball caromed into left field, allowing Taylor to score easily, a rare stand-up inside-the-park home run to open the scoring.
Off the wall and off to the races!@Dodgers leadoff man Chris Taylor circles the bases in 15.40 seconds, 3rd-fastest time on a HR in 2017. pic.twitter.com/FeepPfZkEm
— #Statcast (@statcast) September 18, 2017
Taylor’s home run was the first inside-the-park home run by a Dodger since Trent Oeltjen on Aug. 20, 2011, a line drive past a diving Dexter Fowler in center field at Coors Field.
From @ESPNStatsInfo: The last #Dodgers player to hit a leadoff inside-the-park homer in 1st inning was Dave Roberts on Aug. 9, 2003.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) September 18, 2017
It was the 20th home run of the season for Taylor, making him the fifth Dodger with 20 or more home runs in 2017, tying the franchise record set in 1979 and matched in 2000.
Justin Turner, one of that quintet this season, followed with his 21st home run of the season, this one of the more traditional variety, into the seats in left field against Phillies starter Nick PIvetta.
Yasmani Grandal has 19 home runs on the season, one away from giving the Dodgers a club record six players with 20 or more.