Dodgers Recap: Kershaw, Wrobleski combine to shutout Rays 5-0 as Dodgers Start August on High Note

Tampa Bay, FL — The Dodgers watched other National League contenders wheel and deal yesterday to improve their rosters before the stretch run. Meanwhile, save for a a fourth outfielder in Alex Call and a right-handed reliever in Brock Stewart, Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, and the rest of the Dodgers stood idle, affirming their belief that the Dodgers’ best chance to win the World Series is if their stars perform. Today, they did.

Freddie Freeman, in particular, had been struggling, The slug hadn’t been there, and the Dodgers’ first baseman went more than a month without striking a home run. But after sending a ball over the right-field wall last week against the Reds, Freeman kept on hitting. He doubled home Will Smith and Shohei Ohtani and the first inning, giving the Dodgers a much-needed fast start.

But it wasn’t just Freeman who found his old self today. It was Clayton Kershaw. The crafty lefty managed to throw six shutout innings against the pesky Rays offense, and he did it on only 88 pitches. From there, Dave Roberts turned to Justin Wrobleski, who, since transitioning to a relief role, has been terrific. He fired three scoreless innings today, sparing the entire rest of the bullpen as well as recording the save.

The Dodgers offense managed to tack on, as well. In the fourth, rookie Alex Freeland slashed a base hit into left-center, scoring Michael Conforto, and Mookie Betts hit a sacrifice fly to plate Tommy Edman. And Freeman, who’s suddenly found thunder in his bat, smashed a homer down the right field line in the fifth. It’s his slug the Dodgers have been desperately looking for, especially with their other bats somewhat struggling at the moment.

It’s a great start to the second half for Los Angeles, who kind of need to get on a roll now. With San Diego dealing away no less than twenty-two prospects in exchange for a myriad of talented Major League players, the Dodgers’ three-game lead (entering play today) in the NL West seems as slim as ever. But if their stars perform up to their respective capabilities, and the pitching staff delivers like they did today, LA will be as tough to beat as ever down the stretch.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!