Tony Gonsolin provides the light in shutout win over Cardinals

The Dodgers ran away with a win on Monday instead of having to walk-off, as they are so good at doing. The 8-0 victory over the Cardinals puts them at a season-high 18 games ahead of the Giants in the National League West.

Tony Gonsolin pitched six stellar innings in his first start at Dodger Stadium, ditching his not-so-pretty major league debut way in the past. He held down the Cards to two hits and a walk while dealing seven strikeouts.

Gonsolin carried a no-hitter until the fifth inning, when Kolton Wong smacked a double to center field. The right hander retired 11 batters in a row during his no-hit stretch.

He struck out Paul Goldschmidt to end the sixth inning and his night after 90 pitches. He walked back to the Dodgers dugout with a standing ovation from the home crowd.

The Dodgers offense and defense really came through to seal the game shut behind Gonsolin’s impressive performance.

With MVP chants filling the crowd, Bellinger absolutely destroyed an innocent baseball to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead in the first inning. It was his 37th home run of the year, which puts him on pace to hit 52 dingers this year. This would break the Dodgers record for homers in a season (Shawn Green = 49).

Bellinger’s great game didn’t stop at the plate. He made an impressive diving play at first base to stop a ground ball, which was how he injured his shoulder earlier this season. Luckily, he was all good after making the dive, but it didn’t stop Dave Roberts from worrying a bit.

All eight starting position players reached base safely, combining for 12 hits and six walks. Max Muncy was the only who failed to get a hit, but he was productive nevertheless. He worked three walks and scored the sixth run of the game, courtesy of a Justin Turner double.

Joc Pederson finally saw some action at the plate after batting .129 in his last 10 games. He knocked in two hits, including his first home run since July 21.

Corey Seager also had a pair of hits with an RBI.

The Cardinals had to turn to their bullpen in the fourth inning to save Michael Wacha from suffering any more pain. The Dodgers rang him up for six runs after just 3 ²⁄₃ innings. The only time Wacha has allowed more earned runs in a start this season was against the Dodgers in April, when he surrendered seven runs to LA.

St. Louis’ bullpen held the Dodgers to two runs, both charged to Adalberto Mejía in the fifth inning. Ryan Helsley pitched three scoreless innings to limit the Dodgers damage to eight runs.

The Dodgers bullpen was on their game, holding the 8-run lead through to the end of the game. JT Chargois pitched a scoreless seventh inning and Casey Sadler followed with two scoreless innings to end the game.

Monday particulars

WP: Tony Gonsolin (1-1), 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K

LP: Michael Wacha (6-5), 3 ²⁄₃ IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 HR, 3 K

Home runs: Cody Bellinger (37), Joc Pederson (24)

Box score

Up next

Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers will try to take the series on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PDT.