Giants beat Dodgers and take LA four-game series
Wade Jr. broke a ninth-inning tie with a two-run single.
San Francisco Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr. hits a single as Thairo Estrada scores during the ninth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
2021.07.22 – LaMonte Wade Jr. broke a ninth-inning tie with a two-run single and the San Francisco Giants rallied against closer Kenley Jansen again for a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night.
Giants have built the best record in the majors with a sound defense and one of the top bullpens in the National League.
On this night, though, it was smart base running and a couple of calls that allowed them to extend their lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
The Giants trailed 3-1 going into the ninth before scoring four times to increase their division lead to three games over the defending World Series champions. San Francisco (61-35) took three of four in a tense series between the longtime rivals that saw the final three games decided in the ninth inning.
“This series shows a lot about our team and shows we can play on both sides of the ball with the best of them. We have to keep that mentality throughout,” Wade said.
Before his clutch single, the Giants were able to tie it at 3 on two key plays in the ninth.
Jason Vosler got a good lead off first base with the bases loaded and beat shortstop Chris Taylor’s throw to second on an infield single by Thairo Estrada. That kept the game going and scored Wilmer Flores to bring San Francisco to 3-2.
Vosler was initially ruled out at second for the final out, but the call was overturned following a replay review.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Vosler’s lead off first and beating the throw was the most important play of the game.
“(Max) Muncy was playing pretty far off the bag,” Vosler said. “I was trying to get the biggest primary lead that I could and make sure I got to second on the ground ball. That makes the difference.”
Darin Ruf then checked his swing on a full-count cutter — although replays appeared to show he went around — to draw a walk from Jansen that forced in the tying run.
2021.07.22 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers) See video Highlights
San Francisco Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr., right, steals third base next to Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
2021.07.22 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers) See video Highlights
2021.07.22 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers) See video Highlights
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts yanked off his cap and argued vehemently, leading to him being ejected in the ninth inning for the second consecutive night.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he went and the game should have been over. In that spot with two contending teams you just can’t miss that call,” Roberts said. “We should have won that game and it’s a game we really wanted, we had, and we didn’t.”
Wade then hit a sinking liner to right field that dropped just in front of newly acquired Billy McKinney, giving San Francisco a 5-3 advantage.
Jansen was lifted to a chorus of boos for the second straight night.
“You have to be able to hit the mistake pitch and luckily tonight that was the first pitch of the at-bat. When you get it, you try not to miss,” Wade said.
Jansen (1-4) fell to 21 for 26 in save opportunities. He has allowed seven runs on seven hits with four walks in one inning over the past two games.
Roberts was steadfast that Jansen will remain his closer.
“I don’t think all the blame should be on Kenley. The game should have been over a couple times in that inning,” Roberts said.
José Álvarez (4-1) got the win and Jake McGee pitched the bottom of the ninth for his 20th save.
Will Smith hit a two-run homer off Anthony DeSclafani, and Walker Buehler allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings for the Dodgers.
The Giants took a 1-0 lead in the first when Wade scored on Mike Yastrzemski’s sacrifice fly. The Dodgers evened it in the bottom half when the first three batters got base hits off DeSclafani, including Justin Turner’s single to drive in Taylor.
2021.07.22 (Break down of wild Giants-Dodgers series) See video
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith, right, celebrates at home plate next to San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey after Smith’s two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
2021.07.22 (Break down of wild Giants-Dodgers series) See video
2021.07.22 (Break down of wild Giants-Dodgers series) See video
THEY LOVE LA
By taking the series, the Giants finished 6-4 at Dodger Stadium this season, marking the first time since 2014 they had a winning record at Chavez Ravine.
The teams have a three-game series beginning Tuesday in San Francisco before playing their final series of the season Sept. 3-5.
“We’re enjoying the fact we played a good series, but we’re already thinking about playing Pittsburgh,” Kapler said.
FOR STARTERS
Buehler tied his season high by going 7 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out nine and allowed five hits. Buehler has gone at least six innings in all but one of his last 22 starts dating to last season, including the postseason.
DeSclafani yielded two runs on six hits in six innings with seven strikeouts.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Giants: 1B Brandon Belt (right knee inflammation) will begin running the bases this weekend. … 2B Tommy La Stella (left hamstring strain, right thumb) went 2 for 2 and RHP Aaron Sanchez (right bicep tightness) allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings during rehab assignments at Triple-A Sacramento.
Dodgers: Muncy will go on paternity leave beginning Friday and miss the Colorado series. … RHPs Corey Knebel (right lat strain) and Jimmy Nelson (back) both pitched an inning during a simulated game. Roberts said Nelson could be activated this weekend.
UP NEXT:
Giants: Begin a nine-game homestand Friday against Pittsburgh. RHP Johnny Cueto (6-5, 4.01 ERA) has gone 0-2 in his last three starts and will be opposed by Pirates RHP Chad Kuhl (3-5, 4.31).
Dodgers: Continue their homestand against Colorado on Friday. LHP David Price (4-0, 3.12 ERA) allowed one run in four innings last Sunday against the Rockies. RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (3-6, 5.99) takes the mound for Colorado.
RELATED: See below – 2021.07.21 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers)
Read more at: San Francisco Giants Media Services / More AP MLB
JEstevez@EMIsportsCentral.com
For more on the San Francisco Giants, see the blog at www.EMIsportsCentral.com
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Giants past Dodgers in 9th inning
Flores homer off closer Kenley Jansen
San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores connects for a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
2021.07.21 – Wilmer Flores hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning and the San Francisco Giants rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Mike Yastrzemski homered early to help the Giants regain a two-game lead in the NL West over the defending World Series champions. San Francisco has won two of three in a four-game series between the longtime rivals that wraps up Thursday night.
The Giants had just four hits before Flores’ drive, which quieted the sellout crowd at Dodger Stadium. Buster Posey delivered a pinch-hit single to start the ninth, and Flores followed with a two-run shot to left field that put San Francisco in front 3-2.
“Wilmer Flores is as clutch as anyone over the last two seasons,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. “That was his MO in New York. He’s always been clutch and thrived in the biggest moments.”
It was the 11th homer of the season for Flores. Jansen (1-3) fell to 21 for 25 in save opportunities.
“It’s just a bad one,” Jansen said. “I don’t want to overthink it. I work my butt off too hard to let one moment like this try to mess your season up. Ain’t no time to think about it. … I’ve got to do better. Get those last three outs.”
Victor Gonzalez walked Curt Casali with the bases loaded, making it 4-2.
Tyler Rogers, who took the loss Tuesday after allowing a game-ending homer to pinch-hitter Will Smith, earned his 11th save by pitching a scoreless ninth.
Rogers and Kapler shared an enthusiastic hug afterward.
“That was huge to get right back out there and not have to try to forget about it another day,” Rogers said. “Man, it’s just so cool to see all the guys in the clubhouse happy for me, and I’m happy for all them. Kapler showing the trust in me was huge for my confidence.”
2021.07.21 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers) See video Highlights
San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores connects for a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
2021.07.21 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers) See video Highlights
2021.07.21 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers) See video Highlights
Jose Alvarez (3-1) worked a scoreless inning for the win.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was ejected in the ninth.
Los Angeles starter Julio Urías pitched a gem, allowing just three hits in seven innings. He struck out five and walked one.
Urías gave up Yastrzemski’s home run but otherwise silenced the Giants. He was trying to become the first 13-game winner in the majors.
Yastrzemski hit his 16th home run in the first inning and second in two days.
Chris Taylor responded with a solo homer of his own in the bottom of the first. Taylor is having a terrific July and has three home runs in his last two games. He’s hit safely in 14 of the last 17 games.
Cody Bellinger made a fantastic sliding catch in center field for the Dodgers to rob Austin Slater of a hit in the third.
AJ Pollock hit an RBI double to the right-field corner off Logan Webb in the fourth to score Bellinger and give Los Angeles a 2-1 lead.
Webb allowed two runs and three hits in five innings.
BOO BIRDS
Jansen was booed by Dodgers fans after blowing the lead. He has 333 saves with Los Angeles, where he’s spent his entire career.
“The fans certainly have a right to voice their frustrations, absolutely. I get that,”
Roberts said. “This guy is born and raised as a Dodger. He cares about the Dodgers fan base. He’s shown that on the field, off the field. No one hurts more than he does, to be quite honest. … I’m disappointed to hear that, certainly. He’s not going to say that, but I am.”
HOME RUN CITY
The teams have combined for 37 home runs in nine games at Dodger Stadium this season. They’ve hit 14 in the series, tied for the second-most in a four-game set in this rivalry.
2021.07.21 (Break down of wild Giants-Dodgers series) See video
San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski, left, scores during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
2021.07.21 (Break down of wild Giants-Dodgers series) See video
2021.07.21 (Break down of wild Giants-Dodgers series) See video
TRAINER’S ROOM
Dodgers: OF Mookie Betts (hip pointer) was not in the starting lineup for the fourth consecutive game and could land on the injured list, Roberts said. … Justin Turner (shoulder) was not in the starting lineup after getting hit by a pitch from Alex Wood on Tuesday. Roberts said the third baseman was going to get the night off anyway. Turner pinch hit in the ninth.
Giants: 1B Brandon Belt (right knee inflammation) will begin running the bases this weekend. … 2B Tommy La Stella (left hamstring strain, right thumb) went 2 for 2 and RHP Aaron Sanchez (right bicep tightness) allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings during rehab assignments at Triple-A Sacramento.
UP NEXT:
Giants: RHP Anthony DeSclafani (10-4, 2.78 ERA) gave up five hits and three runs (all solo homers) in five innings during his last start against the Dodgers on June 28.
Dodgers: RHP Walker Buehler (10-1, 2.37) has been dominant against the Giants this season, going 2-0 with a 0.92 ERA in three starts. He’s 6-0 with a 2.17 ERA in 10 career games versus San Francisco.
RELATED: See below – 2021.07.19 (SF Giants @ LA Dodgers)
Read more at: San Francisco Giants Media Services / More AP MLB
JEstevez@EMIsportsCentral.com
For more on the San Francisco Giants, see the blog at www.EMIsportsCentral.com
EMI Sports Central – EMI Sports Bay Area: Join the conversation on sports news for SF Bay Area teams: Follow @EMIsports on Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook and sign up for our FREE email newsletters.
Giants Defeat Dodgers in four-series opener