Clayton Kershaw is dominant in beating Diamondbacks 5-2
Los Angeles Dodgers #22 Clayton Kershaw (LHP) struck out ten Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodgers Stadium. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Clayton Kershaw (9-3) pitched six innings, gave up six hits, allowed one run, and struck out ten batters to help the Los Angeles Dodgers (102-44) beat the Arizona Diamondbacks (68-79) at Dodgers Stadium 5-2.
With the win, the Dodgers will get a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the National League Division Series.
"I think people can't appreciate, No. 1, obviously playing more games at home, but also the travel," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "When you're talking about the postseason, there are time changes. So to be able to sleep in your own bed, be in your surroundings, and have guys come to you, it's certainly more ideal and advantageous. But you still have to go out there and play."
Kershaw looked very sharp with the command of his pitches after retiring six of the eight batters he first faced on the night.
"I feel great. Physically, I feel great, and I'm in a good spot," Kershaw said. "Overall, right now, I feel good with it, and I have a couple more until October, so that's good."
Los Angeles Dodgers #12 Joey Gallo (LF) solo home run in the bottom of the second inning at Dodgers Stadium. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.
Joey Gallo gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a solo home run over the right-center field wall.
Gallo would get his second RBI in the bottom of the fourth inning after hitting a double, and Max Muncy scored from being on second base, making the score 2-0.
The Dodgers would lead 5-0 after Chris Taylor hit a three-run home run over the left-field wall to end the inning.
The Diamondbacks trail 5-1 in the top of the fifth inning when Geraldo Perdomo hit a ground ball to first base, and Carson Kelly scored.
Arizona would score their final run and trail the Dodgers in the top of the ninth inning, 5-2 when Sergio Alcantara hit into a double play that allowed Christian Walker to cross home plate
The Dodgers will have a doubleheader against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, and pitching in the first game for the Dodgers, Michael Grove will take the mound, and in the second game, it will be Tyler Anderson.