Julio Urias and the Dodgers beat the Pirates 5-2
Los Angeles Dodgers #7 Julio Urias (LHP) had eight strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Photo by Daynesha Lewis/TGSportstv1.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Julio Urias (6-5) pitched six innings while giving up three hits and two runs and had eight strikeouts as the Los Angeles Dodgers (49-38) beat the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-47) at Dodgers Stadium 5-2.
Urias has struggled this season with giving up home runs and hits, but tonight was showing signs of being his old self and a big boost for their pitching staff.
"He started the season as our Opening Day starter, which was earned, and I think he wants to fulfill that responsibility," manager Dave Roberts said prior to the game. "Up to this point, he hasn't been as consistent as he'd like, we'd like, and that's, I think, most frustrating."
With injuries to Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day IL list, and Dustin May out for the season after having surgery for a right Flexor Tendon, it made his presence even more welcome on the mound and being aggressive going after batters.
"This is Julio," said Roberts. "I think there was a little bit of frustration. I think there was some embarrassment. And he rolled up his sleeves tonight, and he competed like he always does. But I just felt that tonight, he was truly on the attack from pitch one."
Los Angeles Dodgers #5 Freedie Freeman home run in the bottom of the first inning. Photo by Daynesha Lewis/TGSportstv1.
Mookie Betts led off with a double into left field in the bottom of the first inning. The Dodgers jumped out on the Pirates 2-0 with a one-run home run over the right-field wall by Freddie Freeman.
The Pirates tied the game 2-2 in the top of the second inning after Nick Gonzales hit a double to left field, and Conor Joe and Jack Suwinski both scored.
Freeman led off in the bottom of the sixth inning with a double into left field, and the next batter, Max Muncy, gave the Dodgers a 4-2 lead with a home run over the center field wall for his 20th of the season.
The Dodgers scored their last run in the bottom of the seventh inning after Freeman hit a line-drive to left field, and Betts came across home plate, making the final score 5-2, and now trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by a half-game out of first place in the NL West.