The Dodgers Beat The Pirates in Extra Innings

A Dodgers victory will not assist them in the NL West standings yet again. After the Giants upset the Mets for the second night in a row, a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates would only leave the Dodgers four games behind their division rivals. The Dodgers appeared to be wasting opportunities early in the game, stranding two runners in each of the first two innings.

The Dodgers Beat The Pirates in Extra Innings

But two doubles in the third inning helped them break through, and they eventually grabbed two runs off Pirates starter Wil Crowe and reliever Cody Ponce, setting the stage for a game-winning lead. Despite putting the tying run on first with one out in the ninth inning, Kenley Jansen got Ben Gamel to pop out and Hoy Park to ground out to seal the victory.

With two doubles, Seager maintains his hot streak.

In each of the first three innings of Tuesday night’s game, the Dodgers got their leadoff hitter on base. However, it wasn’t until the third inning, when Corey Seager led off with a double, that they were able to score a run. A.J. Pollock’s two-run single drove in Seager and Cody Bellinger for the Dodgers’ first two runs of the game, the first of two Seager would score in the game. Seager led off the fifth inning with another double, this one bouncing into the covered portion of the left-center field bleachers, before coming around to score when Matt Beaty doubled in two more. It was the latest in a string of strong play for Seager since returning from the disabled list. Seager was slashing.309/.381/.455 entering into Tuesday’s game after returning from a broken fifth metacarpal on July 30. On Tuesday, he made his first three appearances against Pittsburgh, walked twice and hitting two doubles before striking out to start the seventh inning. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “I think the last week has been what we’re going to see the rest of the season.” “I’m taking balls and swinging at strikes. “I’m hitting the ball hard all over the place.”

In his first start at third base, Lux makes two mistakes.

It’s possible to argue that Gavin Lux made the right choice. However, the end effect was not appealing. With Bryan Reynolds on third base, Jacob Stallings hit a ground ball to Lux, who was making his major league debut at third base. Lux made the bold decision to throw home instead of taking the simple out at first base. The throw was off line and sailed to the backstop, allowing Reynolds to score and tie the game at two runs apiece, while also allowing Stallings to advance to second base. With Trea Turner and Corey Seager playing both middle infield positions, starting Lux at third in his first game back from the injured list was a unique way to get him in the lineup. Lux might even play right field this year, according to Roberts, who said before the game. Lux stated before the game, “I always try to take ground balls over there [at third], sorta playing around in early work and stuff.” “However, it’s comparable to reading the ball off the bat, so it’s not too dissimilar.” Lux made a second throwing error on a routine ground ball an inning after his first. Justin Turner replaced Lux at third base on defense when he pinch-hit for Corey Knebel in the sixth inning. When asked about Lux’s problems afterward, Roberts responded, “Well, he hasn’t played a lot of third.” Lux’s 20 innings at third base during his rehab assignment were his entire professional experience at the position prior to Tuesday. When the Dodgers acquired Turner, Lux advised that Roberts play the position, knowing that it would provide him more playing time and help the club. Roberts remarked, “I admire his [being] willing to take on the task of being over there.” “And that, for him, is progress. He’ll start at second base tomorrow, and I anticipate him to contribute to our team’s victory.”

Betts may return in the near future.

Mookie Betts will return to baseball exercises on Thursday, according to Roberts, after healing from a bone spur for the past ten days. Roberts added, “I don’t want to put a date on Mookie.” “My body is moving around in the weight room well. He’ll be participating in baseball activities on Thursday, so we’ll see where it leads.” Last Thursday, Betts received a cortisone shot to aid with the pain in his hip caused by the bone spur. The plan is for him to try to make it through the season without undergoing surgery before addressing the issue in the offseason.”