Third Time’s A Charm! Jansen Gets First Save, Dodgers Win in Extras

Dodger fans can let out a sigh of relief as the Dodgers were able to salvage a win today, exacting revenge against their main rivals this afternoon in yet another thriller in the bay.  Hoping to avoid a 5-game losing streak the Dodgers turned to their ace, Clayton Kershaw, who was also seeking his first win of the season.

The southpaw took the mound and was immediately effective, retiring the first three batters in order.  The Dodgers would threaten in the second inning with bases loaded and one out.  Unfortunately, Austin Barnes would ground into a double play that would end the inning.

In the 4th inning, the Boys in Blue were able to string together some good at bats that began with a lead-off single by Yasiel Puig followed by a walk to Kiké Hernandez.  Two batters later, Matt Kemp came to the plate and promptly roped a base hit to right field that would score Puig and give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.

Kershaw, who was spectacular through 7 innings, was able to get out of a 6th inning jam when Giants’ second baseman Joe Panik lined out to Puig who made a sliding catch followed by a great throw to get Gorkys Hernandez at second base to end the inning.

In the 8th inning, “awkward Pence” hit a blooper to center field that was followed by a well-placed bunt by Kelby Tomlinson that would end the day for Kershaw, who has only received two runs of support in three outings.  Newly acquired JT Chargois would come in relief but would immediately surrender a line drive to Giants’ catcher Buster Posey that would tie the game at 1-1.  The run would be charged to Kershaw nullifying his win possibility.

After each team failed to score in the 9th, the Dodgers would begin their third extra inning game of the season and second consecutive.  Cody Bellinger, who was originally given the day off because he had contracted food poisoning from steak quesadillas at the hotel two nights ago, would lead off the 10th and begin the inning with a double down the left field line.  Then, with two outs, Giant-killer Kyle Farmer entered the game and hit a double off the right field wall that would score “Belli” and put the Dodgers back on top 2-1.

Looking for their first extra inning win this year, closer Kenley Jansen came in to the game in the bottom of the 10th and, despite allowing an infield single to Hunter Pence, would strike out the side to earn his first save this season.

The Dodgers (3-6) will head back to Los Angeles and receive the day off tomorrow before starting a brief, two-game interleague series with the Oakland Athletics beginning Tuesday night at 7:10pm PST at Dodger Stadium.

BakoBoyInBlue