Dodgers Game Recap: Alex Verdugo Collects 3 Hits as Kenta Maeda Cruises to a Win
In the Dodgers 6-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds, the starting lineup accounted for 13 hits across three pitchers — while missing the team’s biggest hitters in Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and A.J. Pollock. In the absence of those three hitters, Alex Verdugo shined with his first career three-hit game.
With an offense that is clicking once again, Kenta Maeda earned the win after holding the Reds to one earned-run over 6.2 innings pitched, with 5 strikeouts and 3 walks. After getting swept by the Cardinals and losing the first two games of a three-game series to the Brewers, the Dodgers back to their winning ways. They’re now tied with the Padres for first place in the NL West.
DODGERS WIN!
Quite the night for Alex Verdugo, as he goes 3-4 while drives in 3 runs. Kenta threw 6.2 strong innings while the bullpen did not allow a runner on base.
Tomorrow’s matchup
Buehler vs Gray pic.twitter.com/aATxZCCmZr— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 17, 2019
Back to More Hits and Runs
Alex Verdugo is looking like he’s settled into his first go-around of a full major league season. He led the Dodgers with 3 hits and 3 RBI in the game and is batting .375 on the season.
Alex. Is. Clutch. pic.twitter.com/pAlcDJiZ5m
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 17, 2019
Verdugo started the scoring in the first inning by scoring Enrique Hernandez on a ground ball to second base. After that, the Dodgers wouldn’t look back.
Moreover, Joc Pederson followed his walk-off home run on Jackie Robinson Day with a 2-run bomb in the second inning that scored Rocky Gale. The 2-run shot extended the Dodgers streak of home game home runs to 31 consecutive games. They’re only one game away from tying a Colorado Rockies record set in 1999.
Corey Seager picked up 3 hits in the game as he starts to show signs of resembling the hitter he was before Tommy John and hip surgeries.
Pitching Under Control
With the win against the Reds, Maeda now leads the Dodgers pitching staff with three wins.
Kenta Maeda putting in work through six. ? pic.twitter.com/aHjtOHsF1R
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 17, 2019
Scott Alexender got the final out of the 7th inning, and Joe Kelly came in to pitch a perfect 8th inning.
In the month of April, Kelly has given up 8 runs in 4 innings pitched.
Up Next:
The series finale feature Sonny Gray (0-2, 2.03 ERA) will take the bump for the Cincinnati Reds as Walker Buehler (1-0, 8.25 ERA) starts for the Dodgers. First pitch is an early one in Los Angeles, coming at 12:10pm.
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I agree, Alex.is.clutch. And we will need to find ways to utilize him more. He is a natural, swag and all. As importantly, we weren’t solely relying on the long ball (although I love our long ball) to score with 2 outs. Another nice win! Go Dodgers!
1. Polluck is not one of the 3 best dodger hitters so far!
2. Glad Verdugo got a chance to start.
3. Still insist that Bellinger was hit on purpose. Dodgers should retaliate.
I too would like to see Verdugo get more playing time. I’ll get grilled for this, how about seeing if he can handle the lead-off, yes I would drop Pederson to sixth. The brain-trust won’t do it but they’ll put Pederson, Taylor, Hernandez all of whom strike-out too much.
Thanks for responding, Megan. The other bloggers seldom do so.
We swept the series with the Reds!!!!! We need to continue on this course; beating the weak teams will not make us better, but they can help us regain first place. The real battle will be against the Brewers, Mets and Phillies. I still believe the addition of Kimbrel to the BP might be difference between a good team and a very good team. Go Blue!!!!!!