Dodgers hit three solo homers, win fifth straight

As they’ve done all season, the Dodgers lived by the long ball. LA was only able to muster up four hits on the night against one of the worst pitching staffs in all of baseball.

Three of those hits paid major dividends, as the Dodgers hit three solo home runs, en route to their fifth straight win, beating the Rangers 3-1.

For the Dodgers, they are 22-1 when they hit three home runs in a game this season.

Aside from the three homers, Yasiel Puig hit a triple. This is the first time in Dodgers history they’ve won a game where their only four hits were a triple and three homers.

Cody Bellinger got the Dodgers on the board in the third with his 21st home run of the season. Just one inning later, Manny Machado hit his 32nd of the year, giving LA a two-run cushion.

In Machado’s last seven games he’s hit four home runs, matching his total from his first 30 games in a Dodgers uniform.

Yasmani Grandal gave LA an insurance run in the eighth, hitting a solo homer for his 22nd of the year.

Alex Wood threw seven scoreless innings, his first outing of seven since June 27 versus the Cubs. This is the fifth time in Wood’s career he’s thrown seven scoreless innings while striking out five.

In the second, the Rangers had runners on first and second with one out. Wood was able to escape the inning untouched, as a double-play ended the inning.

Texas would threaten again in the sixth, putting runners on first and second. Nomar Mazara grounded out, and yet again Wood escaped an inning.

Kenta Maeda recorded his first save of 2018, and the second of his career. The Rangers tacked on a run, but couldn’t complete the comeback, giving LA the win.

Up Next

The Dodgers will head back to LA for the biggest series of the year. Arizona will come into town for a four-game series. Rich Hill (6-4, 3.50 ERA) gets the start on Thursday. The D-Backs have yet to name their starter.

Wednesday Particulars

Home Runs: Cody Bellinger (21) Manny Machado (32) Yasmani Grandal (22)

WP: Alex Wood (8-6) 7 IP, 5 SO, 0 ER

LP: Mike Minor (10-7) 6 IP, 7 SO, 2 ER, 2 H

SV: Kenta Maeda (1) 1 IP, 1 SO, 1 ER