Dodgers fight to extra innings win over Red Sox

When you are on a Sunday Night Baseball game, you get a lot of narratives. For most of the game, the Dodger narratives were doing better than the Red Sox narratives.

Despite the narrative, the Dodgers ended up on top in the 12-inning contest. It was no 18-inning World Series game, but the same emotions and nerves were involved.

The bases were loaded with no outs for Max Muncy in the top of the 12th and he drew the game-winning walk. A one-run lead wasn’t good enough for LA, so Alex Verdugo and Russell Martin each drove in a pair to give the Dodgers a 7-4 lead. Dylan Floro and Joe Kelly held the lead to the end of the game, securing the victory.

Hyun-Jin Ryu had another fine start, limiting the Red Sox to two runs in seven innings pitched. AJ Pollock continued his strong work back with some more power in his bat.

Meanwhile the Red Sox could not capitalize when they had their chances and David Price was sent to the dugout after expending 113 pitches in five innings.

But then the one narrative that has plagued the Dodgers at times came back in the eighth when Pedro Baez allowed back-to-back solo home runs that tied the game 4-4.

The Dodgers saw the many facets that make Fenway Park the most unique place to play in Major League Baseball.

They took the early lead when Pollock hit a fly ball that sliced toward the right-field line.

Pollock’s three-run homer gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

The Green Monster held a Mookie Betts fly ball to a double in the seventh inning when maybe at any other ballpark, it is a solo home run.

And because of the Green Monster, your left-fielder is standing closer to the infield than usual so if you field a clean single, you might have an even better chance to make a throw to the plate.

Alex Verdugo has a great arm and it should not be a secret to any base coach in the majors.

With the Sunday win, the Dodgers took two out of three in Boston and now head to Philadelphia on a happy (but sleepy) flight.

Sunday particulars

WP: Dylan Floro (4-2), 1 ¹⁄₃ IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

LP: Hector Velázquez (1-4), 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Sv: Joe Kelly (1), ²⁄₃ IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Home runs: AJ Pollock (4), Xander Bogarts (20), J.D. Martinez (19)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers will take a short trip to Philadelphia and get set for a four-game series against the Phillies. Clayton Kershaw will make his first start in the second half and he will go against Zach Elfin. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. PDT.

Elizabeth Islas also contributed to this article.