Steve Webb
Game 134, 8/29/2024: Dodgers 6, Orioles 3
CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — Bring on the D-Backs! The Dodgers secured a 6-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night, showcasing a well-rounded performance highlighted by a relentless offensive attack, a solid start from Bobby Miller, and a clutch bullpen performance, particularly from Blake Treinen.
From the onset, the Dodgers’ hitters applied pressure, consistently putting runners on base and capitalizing on opportunities. Mookie Betts, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor led the charge, each delivering key hits to keep the momentum on the Dodgers’ side. Austin Barnes was instrumental in the bottom of the fourth inning, driving in two crucial runs with a weird hop double, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 5-0. The Dodgers’ lineup combined for 14 hits, demonstrating their depth and ability to deliver in clutch moments, with five players contributing at least two hits.
On the mound, Bobby Miller provided the Dodgers with a solid start, working through five innings while allowing three runs on four hits. Miller faced a challenge in the fifth inning when Colton Cowser launched a three-run homer, cutting the Dodgers’ lead to 5-3. Despite the setback, Miller displayed resilience, maintaining composure to limit further damage and set the stage for the Dodgers’ bullpen.
The bullpen, a critical component of the Dodgers’ success, was nothing short of spectacular. Blake Treinen emerged as the game’s hero in a high-leverage situation in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Treinen faced MVP candidate Gunnar Henderson. In a dramatic showdown, Treinen delivered a series of pinpoint pitches, ultimately striking out Henderson with a high fastball to escape the jam unscathed. Treinen’s performance not only preserved the Dodgers’ lead but also shifted the game’s momentum firmly in their favor.
Evan Phillips closed out the game in the ninth inning, securing his 17th save of the season. After hitting Cedric Mullins with a pitch to start the inning, Phillips quickly recovered, striking out Ramón Urías and Colton Cowser to end the game.
With this win, the Dodgers becomes the first team in baseball to hit 80 wins, solidifying their position atop the NL West. Their consistent offensive attack, combined with a strong performance from both their starter and bullpen, proved too much for the Orioles, who fell to 77-58 and remain in second place in the AL East. The Dodgers’ ability to execute in critical situations continues to be a hallmark of their success this season.
And now, the red-hot D-backs in Phoenix. A four-game holiday weekend series. Can’t get better than that. Well, it would be better if it were in Los Angeles, but hey, it’s a short drive. Let’s do it Dodger fans. A good series in Arizona will be the Dodgers firmly in the driver’s seat in the division. It all gets underway on Friday, with Clayton Kershaw on the mound, no doubt looking to erase any lingering memories of last October’s trainwreck in Game One of the NLDS. It’s an earlier start time in Phoenix, with Friday’s game getting underway at 6:40. Deep breath. On to the desert!
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