Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not waver in his support for Edwin Diaz, and the skipper was rewarded.
The Dodgers beat the Brewers 3-1 on Friday, August 14th, in a game where they battled offensively and on the mound, but still ground out another tough win.
The Dodgers close the gap to the Milwaukee Brewers, back down to one game, putting them in the running for the top speed in the National League.
In the top of the ninth inning, just like last night, the trumpets blared, and it was Edwin Diaz’s second straight save chance.
Diaz hit the first batter he faced on a 3-2 count, and the Brewers put in a pinch runner, who stole second base shortly after.
Luckily, Christian Yelich struck out for the first out, and then Diaz walked William Contreras. Things were looking shaky away with the winning run at the plate, but thanks to Tommy Edman, Diaz got a clutch out at first base.
Diaz needed an open base as he walked David Hamilton after, loading the bases and making every fan hold their breath with two outs.
Dave Roberts did not look nervy at all, and he kept Diaz in to figure things out. He produced a weak grounder to short for the third and final out, picking up his seventh save of the season.
For Dodgers fans, it likely did not inspire much confidence, but for Diaz, it must have been a weight off his shoulders and, at least for now, a sigh of relief.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto shines again
Yamamoto produced a ho-hum six-inning outing with just one run allowed, two walks, and nine strikeouts.
The Japanese ace showed better stuff and more aggressiveness than expected.
He was really trying to get some swing-and-miss, though the approach led to a lot of pitches early on, as can happen; he got efficient as time went on and produced a good outing in terms of length.
Still, it was more than good enough to set up the bullpen for success. Evan Phillips and Tanner Scott were lights out after, allowing the team to win on the mound.
Hitting-wise, Andy Pages led the way with a standout 3-for-4 game, along with Tommy Edan getting his swing in check again, going 2-for-4.
Overall, it is a signature modern Dodgers win, and it is something to feel good about heading into Saturday’s third game against the Brewers, this time facing the Cy Young favorite in Jacob Misiorowski.
The Dodgers will hope Justin Wrobleski is able to bounce back after a run of rough outings.
