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For the second time in the series, the loss came at the hands of the bullpen. Ross Stripling exited the game with a lead and was in line for the win, but four runs allowed at the hands of the bullpen cost the Dodgers the game, as they fell to the Phillies, 7-6.
It was a four-run seventh inning that proved to be the difference maker in the game. Having just been called up from Triple-A, Caleb Ferguson began the inning with his team up 5-3. He lasted only two batters, allowing both to reach before being substituted by Dylan Floro. After a strikeout, Floro allowed a single to Jean Segura, bringing the Phillies to within a run.
That was all for Floro, as Joe Kelly entered the game. Bryce Harper singled, tying things up at five a piece. Rhys Hoskins followed with a single of his own, giving Philadelphia the 7-5 cushion.
Alex Verdugo hit a solo homer in the ninth with two outs to cut their deficit to only a run, but Justin Turner followed with a fly out, as the Dodgers dropped the series-finale.
Prior to the bullpen blowing the game for the Dodgers, Stripling gave his team five solid innings. He allowed two runs and struck out five, while issuing zero walks.
It was the Matt Beaty and Enrique Hernandez show at the plate, as they combined for seven of LA’s 10 hits. Beaty finished a triple short of the cycle, while scoring half of LA’s runs. Hernandez had arguably his best game of the season, going 4-for-4 with two home runs.
Thursday particulars
WP: Ranger Suarez (2-0) 1 1⁄3 IP, 1 SO, 0 ER
LP: Dylan Floro (4-3) 1⁄3 IP, 1 ER
SV: Hector Neris (18) 1 IP, 1 ER
Home runs: Enrique Hernandez 2 (16) Matt Beaty (4) Alex Verdugo (12) Adam Haseley (1)
Up next
The Dodgers will travel back home for the first time since the All-Star break, as they welcome the Marlins to town. Hyun-Jin Ryu will get the start for LA. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. PT.