Los Angeles Dodgers defeat Houston Astros 6-1 for third straight win – MLB Update
The Los Angeles Dodgers crushed the Houston Astros 6-1 in the second outing of the three-game series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 13.
Dodgers’ starter Clayton Kershaw had an excellent day with the ball, as he struck-out nine batters and allowed only one run to make his mark in the Dodgers’ dominating win. Kershaw worked eight innings and allowed only six hits and one walk to get his fourteenth
win of the season. He now has 14-5 record with 2.72 ERA.
His manager Don Mattingly was in need of a gritty performance from him and Kershaw delivered it.
Kershaw also received a brilliant back up from his fellow slugger Matt Kemp, as he launched a dazzling 399-feet long two-run homer off the Astros starter’ Wandy Rodriguez to open the game. It was the 27th homer for Kemp this season and he is now
one home-run behind from his career best mark that he achieved last year.
"It's always satisfying," Kemp said."We're pretty confident that if we get Kershaw a couple of runs, he's not going to give that lead up.”
Kershaw also contributed with the bat in the fifth inning when he hit a sacrifice fly into fielder’s choice to catcher, allowing Tony Gwynn. Casey Blake scored the fourth with his RBI single. In the sixth inning the Astros’ catcher, Chris Corporan made a
throwing error and allowed Casey Blake to score the fifth run of the game. Juan Rivera added an RBI single to take the lead to 6-0 in the seventh inning.
"Matty's our guy, and it's always nice to get two runs like that with him going deep," Kershaw said. "Anytime he hits homers, we feel pretty confident in ourselves. It's almost unfair, because we almost expect it out of him. His talent's really taken over
for us."
Kershaw gave his only run in the eighth inning to the Astros’ left-fielder J.D Martinez. After Clayton completed his eight innings spell, closer Scott Elbert landed at the mound with his fresh arms to destroy the Astros in his no-hitter ninth inning.
With his hit, Dodgers managed to tie the series at 4-4 and the last war between the two clubs this season now has become a do or die situation. Dodgers will land Hiroki Kuroda while Astros will use Jordan Lyles. Both pitchers are struggling, as Kuroda has
a 7-14 record while Lyles has 1-6. However, according to experts Kuroda will have an advantage of experience against the 20-year-old rookie hurler.
The Dodgers put in an amazing performance as they managed to restrict the Astros’ offence from scoring in the crucial late innings. The Astros will be looking to improve their efforts in their next match-up.
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