Dodgers Dominate Guardians with Six-Run First Inning in 7-2 Victory

Los Angeles Dodgers Take Control Early

In an interleague clash of division leaders, the Los Angeles Dodgers jumped out to a commanding lead in the first inning, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 7-2 on Saturday night. Andy Pages’ two-run homer capped a six-run first inning, helping the Dodgers secure a comfortable victory at home. With this win, the Dodgers extended their lead in the NL West to five games over the San Diego Padres.

Mookie Betts Adds to Dodgers’ Offense

Mookie Betts contributed with a solo home run in the fourth inning, continuing his hot September. Betts, who is hitting .450 this month, has been a key part of the Dodgers’ success since his return from injury, adding two homers and eight RBIs in September alone.

“When you get out and score six, that’s always going to be a good recipe to win a game,” Betts said. “It seemed like they were a pitch or two from getting out of it, but we stood firm.”

Guardians’ Lane Thomas Responds

The Guardians managed to get on the board in the second inning when Lane Thomas launched a two-run homer, cutting into the Dodgers’ lead. However, Cleveland couldn’t sustain the momentum, leaving 10 runners stranded and going 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Despite this loss, the Guardians still hold a 3.5-game lead over the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central.

Dodgers’ Pitching Shines

Brent Honeywell (1-1), the seventh and final Dodgers pitcher of the night, picked up the win, as the bullpen shut down Cleveland’s offensive threats. Despite some high-stress innings and multiple baserunners, the Dodgers’ staff managed to hold the Guardians to just two runs.

“It seemed like there were a lot of stressful innings and traffic, but we made pitches when we needed to,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Gavin Williams Struggles Early

Cleveland starter Gavin Williams (3-8) struggled to find his rhythm, walking three batters in a row in the first inning before giving up a two-run double to Tommy Edman. Williams allowed five runs on just two hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning, marking the first time since 2021 that a Cleveland starter who wasn’t an opener failed to get out of the first inning.

“He was overthrowing just a little bit and yanking the ball,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Didn’t have the command with the three walks, and then they got to him.”

Andy Pages’ Power Surge

Rookie outfielder Andy Pages provided the highlight of the night with a towering two-run homer off Pedro Avila in the first inning, driving the ball 432 feet into the left-center stands. It was Pages’ 10th home run of the season, further boosting the Dodgers’ lead.

Betts Extends Hitting Streak

Betts extended his hitting streak to seven games with his fourth-inning solo shot. The All-Star continues to deliver for the Dodgers, with 16 home runs on the season and six in 24 games since returning from a broken hand that sidelined him for nearly two months.

Guardians Miss Opportunities

Despite loading the bases in the fourth inning, the Guardians failed to capitalize, going 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Their struggles to convert scoring chances were a key factor in their loss, leaving a total of 10 runners on base throughout the game.

Injuries:

Dodgers: Outfielder Teoscar Hernández is expected to return to the lineup Monday after an MRI and CT scan on his left foot came back negative. Hernández was hit by a slider from Cleveland’s Matthew Boyd in Friday’s game.

Upcoming Games:

Guardians: Tanner Bibee (11-6, 3.56 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland, hoping to continue his success in day games, where he has gone 4-0 in nine starts this season.
Dodgers: Jack Flaherty (11-6, 3.01 ERA), who has gone 4-1 since being traded from Detroit, is set to start for Los Angeles as they look to continue their winning ways.