Dodgers have no answers for rookie Eric Lauer in 4-1 loss

The Dodgers were done in by one big inning Monday night, handing out four runs to the Padres in the fifth inning. Catcher Austin Hedges produced the crushing blow with a three-run homer as the Dodgers went on to lose 4-1.

Rookie Eric Lauer turned in the best start of his young career, coming within an out of a complete-game shutout. With two outs in the ninth, Lauer gave up a solo homer to Max Muncy on his 115th pitch of the night and wouldn’t be allowed to continue.

Kirby Yates came on from the Padre bullpen to strike out Matt Kemp to end the game.

It was the first time the lefty had pitched past the sixth inning, but not the only time he has had success against the Dodgers. Back on May 6 at Dodger Stadium, Lauer tossed six scoreless innings in a 3-0 Padres win.

Muncy’s 21st homer of the season was only the fourth hit for Los Angeles all night.

Outside of the disaster fifth, Rich Hill pitched well thanks in large part to the defense behind him. The Padres hit the ball hard all night but usually at somebody. Eric Hosmer would’ve hit a home run in the fourth had it not been for Cody Bellinger reaching up to take it away.

Hill would last seven innings, giving up eight hits total with seven strikeouts and a walk. Four of those eight hits came in the fourth when Hedges muscled his homer out to the Western Metal Supply building in left.

Will Myers would add a solo shot for his fifth straight game with a long ball.

The best chance to score for the Dodgers came in the seventh with runners on second and third. Logan Forsythe would strikeout for the third time on the night to end the threat.

Forsythe is in some kind of slump, going 1-for-32 in his last 34 plate appearances.

Up Next

Kenta Maeda (5-5, 3.24) will take the ball for the Dodgers against Padres’ lefty Joey Lucchesi (4-4, 3.27).

Tuesday particulars

Home runs: Austin Hedges (4), Wil Myers (8), Muncy (21)

WP - Eric Lauer (5-5): 8 ²⁄₃ IP, 4 hits, 2 walk, 8 strikeouts

LP - Rich Hill (2-4): 7 IP, 8 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts