Steve Webb
Game 102, 7/23/2024: Dodgers 5, Giants 2
CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — Lots to like from the Boys in Blue on Tuesday night. The Dodgers showcased their clutch hitting and a strong start from rookie pitcher Landon Knack in their victory over the Giants. The Dodgers’ offense was highlighted by key two-out hits that drove in crucial runs. Things got a little dicey in the ninth, but ultimately, the Dodgers hung on for a 5-2 win.
Landon Knack had an impressive start on the mound, keeping the Giants’ batters off balance throughout his outing. Knack pitched five strong innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out seven. His poise and control set the tone for the Dodgers, giving the team a solid foundation to build upon.
Offensively, the Dodgers were led by timely hitting, particularly with two outs. In the bottom of the first inning, Gavin Lux came through with a two-out, two-run double that gave the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. Lux’s clutch hit was a sign of things to come, as the Dodgers continued to deliver in key moments. They were only 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but those three hits accounted for all the Dodgers’ runs on Tuesday.
Shohei Ohtani also played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ victory. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Ohtani doubled with two outs, driving in two more runs to extend the Dodgers’ lead to 4-1. Ohtani’s ability to come through in the clutch has been steadily improving this year, and Monday night was no exception.
In the eighth inning, with the game still in the balance, Ohtani again stepped up. With two outs and runners on second and third, he delivered a sharp single to center field, driving in the Dodgers’ fifth run and providing a crucial bit of insurance.
The Dodgers’ bullpen, bolstered by a solid start from Knack, shut down the Giants’ offense for the most part the rest of the way. Blake Treinen and Brent Honeywell combined for three scoreless innings, ensuring the Dodgers’ lead remained intact. Alex Vesia was a little wild in the ninth and got knocked around a little, but he hung on to record a couple of outs. After that, it was up to Evan Phillips to finish off the Giants. He walked Jorge Soler on four pitches, loading up the bases and bringing the go-ahead run to the plate in the person of “Late Night” Lamont Wade Jr. However, Wade would not live up to his nickname in this one, grounding out harmlessly to Gavin Lux to end the game.
Landon Knack’s strong outing and the Dodgers’ timely hitting were the keys to their victory. The team’s ability to deliver in clutch situations and Knack’s poised performance on the mound were crucial in securing the win. We see our buddy Tyler Glasnow on the mound on Wednesday, his short IL stint now complete. He’ll be facing off against Robbie Ray, who the Giants have activated for this game. It will be Ray’s first start of the year. Should be an interesting match-up. First pitch on Wednesday will be 7:10. And then on Thursday… Kershaw!
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