The Dodgers kept their not losing a series streak, winning their three game set against the Rangers, 2-1.
While Dustin May turned in an excellent start, pounding the zone and getting groundball after groundball, giving up two runs (no homers) in six innings, Jake mcGee couldn't hold the game at 2-2 after the Dodgers tied it. May perhaps could've pitched the 7th, but it made sense to be careful with him and the game in a tie. McGee gave up a tie-breaking homer, but then gave up groundball single through the shift, so the outing wasn't too worrying. The Dodgers, however, couldn't retake the lead, losing 6-2.
Facing Lance Lynn, a possible trade target and their most formidable opponent this year, the Dodgers stepped up. Pollock drove in a run, Bellinger homered, and Muncy hit a sac fly that would've been a three-run homer in most parks. Pederson also hit a ball right to the track in a pitcher-friendly Texas stadium. Muncy later hit a three run homer off a Rangers reliever to put the game to bed. Ross Stripling showed improvement but once again struggled in his start. Kenley Jansen recorded his 10th save of the season, and his first ever against the Rangers, giving him a save against every MLB team (other than the Dodgers). He struggled with his command a bit, but his pitches looked unhitteable and his velocity was good, hitting 93-4. His blown save against the Giants is looking more like a fluke in an otherwise dominant season for Jansen. The Dodgers won 7-4.
The Dodgers threw Tony Gonsolin and his 0.00 ERA at the Rangers on Sunday, and he performed ok. He cruised through two innings before completely losing his command, allowing the first five baserunners to reach in the inning. However, Gonsolin did a very impressive job recovering, somewhat regaining his command and escaping the inning with only a run scoring on a wild pitch. He got some help with on a low 3-2 fastball to Joey Gallo being called strike three, but Gonsolin earned his way out of the inning. It was undoubtedly a great learning experience for him. Corey Seager, Will Smith and Cody Bellinger homered, to break the record for most home runs ever hit in a month by a National League team. Mookie Betts also had an RBI single and a sac fly. The bullpen did an excellent job finishing off the Dodgers' 7-2 win after Gonsolin was pulled after the third due to his throwing 39 stressful pitches in the inning.
Los Angeles was mostly quiet at the Trade Deadline. While other teams added depth and starting pitchers, the Dodgers, already by far the most complete team in baseball, traded fan favorite, but struggling, pitcher Ross Stripling to the Blue Jay for two players to be named later, meaning they aren't on the 60 man player pool. Andrew Friedman says he really likes one of the prospects and will choose the other from a list provided by Toronto. The trade was good for everyone, as Stripling had pretty much lost his grip on a rotation spot in Los Angeles (and didn't fit well in the bullpen) and the Blue Jays need pitching.
The Dodgers look to continue their streak of not losing a series streak alive when the Diamondbacks come to Los Angeles on Tuesday for a three game set.
Photo Credit: Dodgers Twitter