Dodgers offense explodes for 11 runs, defeat Red Sox

After a four-game stretch in which the Dodgers only scored seven runs, the offense tallied 11 on Saturday night, defeating the Red Sox 11-2. Four different Dodgers players hit a home run, and five different players had a multi-hit game.

They got things going right away, jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first. In his second game back from the Injured List, A.J. Pollock drove in Chris Taylor. Two innings later, the lead would be doubled, as Justin Turner hit a solo home run for his 11th of the season. It was one of three hits on the night for Turner.

After the Red Sox answered with a run of their own, LA’s lead was back to one. They responded with a three-run fifth inning, getting contributions on all ends. With two on, Turner doubled in a run. David Freese would follow with a double of his own, driving in two runs to give the Dodgers the 5-1 lead.

Boston had a chance in the bottom of the sixth to potentially tie up the game. After an error helped the Sox put across a run, the tying run came up to the plate with two outs. With runners on second and third, Joe Kelly got Christian Vazquez to strike out, ending the inning and any chance of a rally Boston had.

The game was put out of reach in the next inning, as the Dodgers put four runs on the board. Cody Bellinger hit his 31st homer of the season, tied for most in the National League. He was followed by Pollock, who hit his third home run of the season, giving LA the 7-2 lead.

After scoring three more runs over the next two innings, Max Muncy capped it off with a solo homer of his own, his 23rd of the season.

Ross Stripling had one of the better starts of his season, throwing five innings while striking out seven. He didn’t issue a single walk, and aside from a fourth inning home run, he held the Red Sox in check all night.

Julio Urias came in to pitch two perfect innings, striking out two and now allowing a hit. J.T. Chargois finished things off with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Saturday particulars

WP: Ross Stripling (4-3) 5 IP, 1 ER, 7 SO

LP: Chris Sale (3-9) 4 ²⁄₃ IP, 5 ER, 7 SO

Home runs: Justin Turner (11) Cody Bellinger (31) A.J. Pollock (3) Max Muncy (23) Xander Bogaerts (19)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers will go for the series-win tomorrow as they send Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound tomorrow. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. PT on ESPN.