Dodgers Score Early, Toss Shutout To Split Series With Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who dropped the first two games to the Chicago Cubs, looked to split the four-game series with an early game on Thursday. However, Jon Lester stood in their way, as manager Don Mattingly sent out all right-handed hitters to face him.
Jimmy Rollins reached on a one-out, infield single, which was followed by two consecutive walks, as the Dodgers threatened early. Howie Kendrick then doubled to drive in the first two runs of the game.
Carlos Frias tried to change his luck after going 0-3 in his previous four starts. After recording one out, the right-hander gave up a double to Anthony Rizzo, but struck out Kris Bryant. After issuing a walk to Chris Coghlan, Frias recovered and ended the inning without giving up a run.
After issuing a walk to A.J. Ellis, Lester was clearly upset with the home plate umpire. A would-be sacrifice bunt ended in a fielder’s choice after Ellis was cut down at second, but Kiké Hernandez took advantage of a frustrated Lester and tripled deep to center to make it 3-0 Dodgers. Rollins continued his hot streak and singled in Hernandez. Turner also drove a ball to center, but Chris Denorfia made a spectacular catch for the first out, but this would be the end of the scoring for the Dodgers in the top of the second.
Frias set down the side in the bottom of the second, aided by a double play.
Cubs third baseman, Bryant, was removed from the game in the top of the third due to flu-like symptoms, but Lester turned a new leaf, getting two groundouts and one strikeout.
Although the inning started with a base hit by Jonathan Herrera, Frias did not allow a runner to reach second base in the inning, tossing another scoreless frame.
Following a second walk to Coghlan, Mike Baxter lined what appeared to be a single toward second base, but Kendrick leaped and caught the ball for the second out. However, David Ross picked up where Baxter left off and liknd a single to left field. This marked the end of the day for Lester, who was pinch hit for by Miguel Montero. He singled to left field on the first pitch, and Coghlan was cut down trying to score by Alex Guerrero for the final out of the inning.
Former Dodger Edwin Jackson set the Dodgers down quickly in the top half of the fifth with one strikeout.
CONTINUE READING: Bullpen Works Out Of Trouble, Joc Pederson Adds To Lead
