Recap: Kenta Maeda Slips in Sixth as Dodgers Lose 6-1 to Pirates
The question for the Los Angeles Dodgers going into Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates would be how they would respond following their first loss in six games.
The Los Angeles offense was nonexistent once again as the Pirates sent the Dodgers on a losing streak for the first time since June 11-13 with a 6-1 loss.
Dodgers starter Kenta Maeda earned himself a huge check, all at the expense of him trotting out to the mound.
Kenta Maeda earns a $1 million bonus today by making his 15th start
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) June 25, 2016
Coming into the game, Dodgers pitchers not named Clayton Kershaw had a record of 14-21 and a 4.30 ERA. Maeda tried to conquer those demons and allowed four runs on four hits, fanned four, and walked two on 92 pitches.
Maeda was cruising through three and one-third innings while not allowing a hit before serving up a home run to struggling Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen. That was McCutchen’s first longball since June 16.
Pirates starter Jeff Locke did not allow a baserunner through five innings before Scott Van Slyke worked a double down the left field line. The rhythm of Pittsburgh’s left-hander was broken the very next plate appearance as A.J. Ellis tied the game for the Dodgers on a double of his own. Locke ended his night with the win, pitching seven innings of one-run ball and striking out three Dodgers.
Back-to-back doubles! @AJEllis17 with an RBI double! #Dodgers, Pirates, tied at 1!
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— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 26, 2016
Maeda worked in a quality start that went into the sixth inning, but was ruined in the sixth inning when the Pirates struck for three more runs courtesy of who else but Andrew McCutchen on what else but a home run.
Minor League News: Quakes Get Into Brawl With Mavericks | VIDEOTwice as nice. 400ft#CutchHappens pic.twitter.com/NOu32UmAIZ
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 26, 2016
Jordy Mercer extended his hitting streak to nine games as Blanton served him up a two-run blast after Maeda’s departure for a 6-1 Pirates lead and the Bucs never looked back.
? Final: Pirates 6 Dodgers 1. WP: PIT J Locke (7-5) LP: LAD K Maeda (6-5) (ESPN) #MLB #MLBxESPN
— ESPN Béisbol ?? (@ESPN_Beisbol) June 26, 2016
One can only hope that Kershaw Day will provide some offensive execution for the 11-1 All-Star starting frontrunner on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball as the Dodgers take on Chad Kuhl in his major league debut at 5 p.m. PT.
Sunday. pic.twitter.com/IAZTw4mvu9
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 26, 2016
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