Bullpen helps Dodgers pick up seventh straight win

For the fourth time in only seven days, the Dodgers picked up a win over the Mets. After sweeping the weekend series last week, LA took the first game of the four-game series, 4-1.

It’s now their seventh straight victory and the Dodgers trail the Giants by only 2.5 games in the division.

The Dodgers jumped on the board in the second inning, putting two runs on the board. Corey Seager began the inning with a walk and Will Smith doubled to put two runners in scoring position. AJ Pollock brought in a run with a groundout, putting LA up 1-0.

With Smith on third base, Chris Taylor grounded out as well, bringing in the second run for the Dodgers.

Another two run inning in the fifth helped put the Dodgers ahead, 4-1. After Taylor reached with a single, Billy McKinney doubled to bring in Taylor to score. Trea Turner then followed with a single, scoring McKinney to put LA ahead by three runs.

For LA, the offense wasn’t spectacular — but it didn’t have to be. Yet again, the pitching was spectacular. The Dodgers had another bullpen game, but all the relievers did their job.

Corey Knebel began the game for the Dodgers. For the veteran, it was his first career start in 252 games. He tossed a scoreless inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. Following Knebel was Evan Phillips, who made his team debut. He looked solid, as he tossed 2 ¹⁄₃ innings. Phillips allowed a run and struck out one, but showed some promising pitches.

“I thought he was fantastic,” Dave Roberts said following the game. “Getting left and right out. A guy who can give us length if we need. Just for me, building that confidence in him. Expect him to add some length to our bullpen.”

Following Phillips was Victor Gonzalez, who was activated off the IL today. He tossed 1 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing only one hit. Phil Bickford followed, who looked dominant as usual. He struck out two in his inning of work.

“The guys are ‘next-man up’ mentality,” Roberts said. “Guys are coming of age. They’re pitching big innings for us.”

Brusdar Graterol needed only 13 pitches for his scoreless inning and Alex Vesia needed only 12 pitches for his. Blake Treinen took the ninth inning and struck out the side on only 13 pitches, securing his fourth save of the season.

“If you’re talking about pitchers on our staff, Blake has been just as valuable as Buehler,” Roberts said. “Every night he pitches, he’s facing the best guys in our lineup.”

Thursday particulars

WP: Evan Phillips (1-0) 2 ¹⁄₃ IP, 1 ER, 1 SO

LP: Taijuan Walker (7-8) 6 IP, 4 ER, 4 SO

SV: Blake Treinen (4) 1 IP, 0 ER, 3 SO

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers will look for their eighth straight victory on Friday night. Walker Buehler will be on the mound, looking to add to his Cy Young Award campaign.