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The Dodgers had the lead after one pitch, as Joc Pederson connected for a solo home run. They couldn’t hold that lead, as two runs allowed by the bullpen proved to be the difference maker in LA’s 5-4 loss to the Padres on Monday night.
It was all tied up at three a piece in the bottom of the sixth. Brusdar Graterol, who has looked good for the Dodgers this season, allowed two runs to score in the bottom half of the inning, which ultimately was the difference maker.
Manny Machado singled to begin the inning, and he ultimately came in to score on a single from Jake Cronenworth. Caleb Ferguson relieved Graterol with two outs, but back-to-back singles from the Padres put them up 5-3.
Cody Bellinger’s solo homer in the top of the ninth brought the Dodgers to within one, but Kirby Yates proceeded to strike out the final three hitters he faced.
Walker Buehler looks... okay
Walker Buehler has now made two starts for the Dodgers this season, and both of them have been just... meh. In his first outing of the season last week in Houston, Buehler went 3 2⁄3 innings while allowing two runs with three strikeouts. Today, he didn’t look much better. Buehler went five innings, posting a very unique box score. He allowed three runs, on three hits, which were three solo home runs, while striking out three. Want to guess how many walks he had? Bingo. Three.
Buehler joins some pretty elite company with that stat line.
Since 1901, 2 pitchers allowed exactly 3 runs, 3 hits, 3 homers, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts in a start:
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) August 4, 2020
Denny McLain in 1966 (7 IP)
Walker Buehler tonight (5 IP)https://t.co/tFekN0SHAW
Overall, Buehler just struggled with command. It seemed like he was falling behind every hitter, and almost every at bat had either two or three balls. All night, Dodgers broadcaster Orel Hershiser was discussing his outing and saying he just didn’t have it. He was waiting for a glimpse of the Buehler we’ve come to expect, but it just never came.
Last season, Buehler allowed one home run through every nine innings he pitched. This season, in 8 2⁄3 innings, he’s already allowed four homers.
Monday particulars
WP: Chris Paddack (2-0) 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 SO
LP: Walker Buehler (0-1) 5 IP, 3 ER, 3 SO, 3 BB
SV: Kirby Yates (1) 1 IP, 1 ER, 3 SO
Up next
The Dodgers turn to Dustin May tomorrow, who looks to help the Dodgers even the series. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. PT on SportsNet LA.