:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69880321/usa_today_16786714.0.jpg)
A potent combination of Clayton Kershaw and home runs led to a 8-5 win and the Dodgers taking two of three against the Reds. It did get dramatic toward the end when the Reds made it a two-run game in the 8th inning but then the Dodgers tacked on a couple of runs in the ninth inning.
Kenley Jansen did give up a solo home run to Joey Votto but otherwise continued his recent fine pitching picking up two strikeouts his inning of work.
Neither team had homered in the first two games but that was not the case today as the Dodgers hit three and the Reds countered with two home runs.
Will Smith started the scoring with a solo home run in the second and then minutes later, Gavin Lux drove a ball over the right-center field wall for a two-run homer.
The scoring continued in the third inning, Lux singled home the fourth run and later that inning, Corey Seager hit a two-run homer for a 6-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Kershaw was on his game from the start and he struck out five in his first three innings. After giving up a run in the fourth inning, he would strike out three of his last four batters faced to finish up with five innings in the books on 74 pitches thrown.
Tony Gonsolin was not as sharp as was in his appearance. The Reds scored three runs against him in 2⅓ innings pitched. Blake Treinen did give up the last run when he came in to work out of the 8th inning Reds comeback.
The Dodgers were able to get some breathing room in the 9th, a Kyle Farmer throwing error scored one and then Seager bringing in the last run on a bases-loaded walk.
Memorable home run for fan too
TJ Friedl first major league hit was his home run against Gonsolin in the 6th inning. So while that will always be a treasured memory for Friedl, Mookie Betts made sure the fan who caught that ball will remember it fondly too.
Trading your bat to get the ball back for the Reds player who got their first hit/homer? That’s Mookie. pic.twitter.com/BiUkcw30qI
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 19, 2021
Michael Diddle of Portsmouth, Ohio, caught the ball from TJ Friedl’s first MLB hit, a home run. Dodgers RF watched the ball, asked for it and told Diddle “I got you.” In the bottom of the 7th, Betts came back with a signed bat pic.twitter.com/wVT8kh9vNX
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) September 19, 2021
Childhood buddies
Clayton Kershaw won his 10th game of the season as he works his way back from his IL stint. He’ll make his next start in Arizona next weekend.
Meanwhile in Indianapolis, Matthew Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback and Kershaw’s childhood friend and teammate rallied his team to their second straight win to open the season.
Sunday particulars
Home runs: Will Smith (25), Gavin Lux (7), Corey Seager (10), TJ Friedl (1), Joey Votto (31)
WP — Clayton Kershaw (10-7): 5 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 8 strikeouts
LP — Wade Miley (12-7): 3 IP, 9 hits, 6 runs, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts
Up next
The Dodgers will continue their road trip with a three-game series against the Rockies. Julio Urías is scheduled to start the first game at Coors Field on Tuesday, first pitch at 5:40 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA).