Dodgers hit three home runs as they pick up win over Giants

One of the most historic rivalries was back in action on Thursday night, and it delivered all the fireworks. The Dodgers and Giants went back-and-forth, with LA coming out on top. They picked up the 4-3 victory, their fourth win in four games against San Francisco this season.

Having not relied on the home run as much as previous seasons, the Dodgers only got their runs courtesy of the long ball tonight. The first came in the third inning. After back-to-back outs to begin the inning, Mookie Betts hit a triple to extend the inning and put the go-ahead run 90 feet away. Justin Turner stepped up and put the Dodgers on top with a two-run shot. It was his second in three games and ninth of the season.

Two innings later, it was DJ Peters’ turn. After hitting 92 home runs in the minors, Peters finally connected for the first home run of his major-league career. Pretty awesome moment for a kid who grew up in Glendora. Fun fact, my girlfriend went to high school with him and saw a movie with him and a bunch of friends once. So there’s my DJ Peters story.

Oh, and I’m fully taking credit for him hitting HR No. 1.

After the Giants tied things up in the sixth inning, the Dodgers took the lead back in dramatic fashion. Max Muncy stepped up to the plate to lead off the inning. After falling behind in the count, Muncy crushed his 11th homer to the stands, putting the Dodgers up one run.

Although his swing was glorious, his epic bat flip was even better. I mean, c’mon! Can we get a launch angle on this flip?

Bullpen game is a success

Don’t worry, I’m just like you. When I hear the words “bullpen game” I let out a big “UGH”. However, the Dodgers usually do well in bullpen games, and this game went great.

David Price got the start, his second of the season. He threw 2 ²⁄₃ innings of scoreless ball and didn’t issue a single baserunner. He struck out five, which gave him 2,000 for his career, becoming the 84th pitcher to reach that milestone.

Since April 13, Price has been fantastic for LA. He’s posted a 0.74 ERA, 12.5 SO/9, 1.5 BB/9 and 0.90 WHIP during this stretch. It looks as if he’s settling very well into this new role.

Alex Vesia, Joe Kelly, Victor Gonzalez, Nate Jones, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen followed. Kelly and Gonzalez each allowed a home run, and for Gonzalez it was his first allowed homer of his career. Treinen threw a 1-2-3 scoreless eighth with two strikeouts. Jansen then followed with a scoreless 1-2-3 ninth of his own. He also had two strikeouts and was throwing straight gas. That’s my damn closer!

Thursday particulars

WP: Victor Gonzalez (2-0) 1 IP, 2 ER

LP: Alex Wood (5-2) 6 IP, 4 ER

SV: Kenley Jansen (12) 1 IP, 0 ER, 2 SO

HR: Max Muncy (11) Justin Turner (9) DJ Peters (1) Evan Longoria (7) Donovan Solano (1)

Box score

Play of the game

Albert Pujols unhooked the trailer and hit a double. He was clocked at 40mph. Yup, seriously.