Steve Webb
Game 123, 8/16/2024: Dodgers 7, Cardinals 6
ST. LOUIS, MO — After gacking up a couple of games in Milwaukee, the Dodgers came through big time in this one. In a thrilling 7-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dodgers showcased their resilience and the impact of recent acquisitions. The game was a testament to their ability to fight back and secure a crucial win.
Kevin Kiermaier, known more for his defensive prowess, emerged as the unlikely hero with the bat. Acquired at the trade deadline for his glove, Kiermaier stepped up in a big way at the plate. He went 2-for-4, driving in four runs, including a game-changing three-run homer in the sixth inning that put the Dodgers ahead for good.
The Dodgers’ scoring began with a solo home run by Gavin Lux in the second inning, followed by an RBI single from Kiermaier that gave the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. However, the Cardinals responded with a two-run homer by Paul Goldschmidt, followed by solo shots from Masyn Winn and Pedro Pagés, putting St. Louis ahead 4-2.
Despite trailing, the Dodgers refused to back down. Mookie Betts sparked the comeback with a solo home run in the sixth inning, cutting the deficit to one. It’s Betts’s second homer in four games back as he continues to scorch the ball.
After singles by Lux and Will Smith, Miguel Rojas tied the game with an RBI single. Then, Kiermaier delivered his three-run blast off Andrew Kittredge, capping a five-run inning that turned the tide in favor of Los Angeles. In addition, after the Cards cut the gap to 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth, Kiermaier made an amazing catch in center field that save at least a run and probably more.
On the mound, Justin Wrobleski earned his first big league win, pitching five innings and allowing four runs. While not flawless, Wrobleski kept the Dodgers within striking distance, giving them a chance to mount their comeback.
The bullpen took over from there, with Michael Kopech, another trade deadline acquisition, closing the door in the ninth. Kopech was dominant, striking out two in a perfect inning to secure his first save in Dodger blue.
The win not only highlighted the Dodgers’ ability to come from behind but also showcased the impact of their trade deadline moves and prospects. Kiermaier’s offensive outburst, Wrobleski’s gritty effort, and Kopech’s lights-out closing all contributed to a hard-fought victory that kept the Dodgers atop the NL West. And while giving up six runs is not ideal, the Dodgers showed some fight in this one, which was most welcome indeed.
With Tyler Glasnow headed to the IL, he’s been scratched as the starter on Saturday. It’s likely Bobby Miller slots into that spot and gets the start in Game Two of the series. We’ll see if Bobby’s time in OKC has yielded some good results. He’s going to match up against veteran Sonny Gray. It’ll be a Fox game, so that means a 4:15 start time here on the coast. Let’s make it two in a row!
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