Dodgers: Despite Kershaw’s struggles the Dodgers sweep the Cubs
By Jamaal Artis
Continuing their hot streak, the Los Angeles Dodgers completed the sweep of the Chicago Cubs.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Los Angeles Dodgers ace starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is going to give up 11 hits, 4 runs, and 3 home runs in just 4 1/3 innings at home. If you said it’s happened then your lying because it had never happened before Sunday’s afternoon game against the defending World Champion Chicago Cubs.
It was supposed to be a game of two aces both Kershaw and the Cubs Jon Lester struggled as they gave up a combined 10 runs and 4 home runs with neither getting through five innings. Instead, the Dodgers and Cubs fans were treated to a slugfest with Dodgers prevailing 9-4 sweeping the three-game series.
Unlike in the past where Kershaw had to pick up his team when it was struggling, this time the Dodgers were the ones picking up their ace as they pelted the Cubs by hitting four home runs. In fact, all those home runs were responsible for the runs scored.
The bullpen also remained outstanding as four relievers combined to no-hit the Cubs over the last 4 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking only one Cubs batter.
Fans in attendance saw something historic as rookie Cody Bellinger became the fastest Dodgers player to ever hit 10 home runs, Bellinger achieved this mark in just his 31st game when he hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning.
For Bellinger, his strong play in the field and at the bat continues to build his resume as he sits as the front-runner for Rookie of the Year in the National League.
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The relief ace of the game didn’t go to anyone in the bullpen but it surely belonged to Yasiel Puig. Puig was not supposed to start the game but had to come in after outfielder Franklin Gutierrez seemed to hurt himself in the top of the first inning Puig ended up in the field.
Puig ended up going 2-4 scoring twice and driving two runs on a thunderous home run that was estimated to travel 450 feet making it the longest home run at Dodger Stadium this year. Puig also made a dynamic play in right field when he chased down a foul ball for an out while crashing into a side wall.
After a good April, Puig has had a terrible May and his batting average was at .220 going into the game hopefully his performance on Sunday means he’ll be breaking out of his slump.
The fact that the Dodgers won a game despite Kershaw not having his best stuff on the mound is a good sign and shows the depth of hitting and pitching the Dodgers front office have built for this team.
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Dodgers fans should also be happy that a series sweep of a strong team like the Cubs means perhaps the Dodgers are ready to become an elite team in Major League Baseball.