Dodgers throw 2-hitter, beat Phillies after long rain delay
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — David Freese didn't want a long night to drag out even longer.
Freese hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning, six Dodgers pitchers combined on a two-hitter spanning a 2 hour, 37 minute rain delay, and Los Angeles completed a 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies early Thursday morning.
Justin Turner also homered, and A.J. Pollock and Kiké Hernandez drove in runs for the NL-West leading Dodgers, who improved their MLB-best record to 64-34 while remaining 14 games in front of Arizona.
Rain delayed the game in the top of the third, and the last out was recorded at 1:42 a.m. The teams are set to conclude the four-game series at 12:35 p.m. Thursday.
"Try not to go into extra innings tonight," Freese said. "Glad we got it in and got the W."
The Phillies didn't register a hit until Scott Kingery's bloop single to center in the sixth. Adam Haseley singled with one out in the ninth.
"The bullpen did a great job," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Philadelphia has lost four of six to remain 8 ½ games behind Atlanta in the NL East while falling a half-game behind Milwaukee for the second wild card.
"We don't have time to be disappointed," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. "We have to be here early in the morning."
Kenta Maeda pitched two scoreless innings for Los Angeles but was pulled after the delay. Casey Sadler relieved Maeda and got two outs, and Julio Urías followed with 2 2/3 innings and was charged with two unearned runs. Pedro Baez (4-2) pitched 1 2/3 innings, Joe Kelly tossed a perfect eighth and Dylan Floro pitched a scoreless ninth.
"You manage the game like the playoffs," Roberts said. "Julio was the glue. It was a collective team win."
Los Angeles went ahead for good with two runs in the seventh. After Max Muncy started the frame with a single to right, Freese drove a fastball from Juan Nicasio (1-3) over the wall in right to give the Dodgers a 4-2 lead.
"Just got the barrel out and caught it," Freese said.
Los Angeles went up by four runs in the eighth on Turner's two-run, pinch-hit drive to left off Austin Davis.
Phillies starter Nick Pivetta didn't give up a hit but surrendered a run while walking four and striking out four in 2 1/3 innings.
Urías helped himself with an RBI single in the sixth that put Los Angeles up 2-0.
Philadelphia got its runs in the sixth on Brad Miller's bases-loaded walk and Haseley's RBI groundout.
SLIP, SLIDE AND SLAMMER
A fan was chased down by security guards after running on the field and sliding on the wet infield tarp during the rain delay.
BROTHERLY LOVE
Two young Phillies fans shared a heartwarming moment in the fifth. A boy fetched a foul ball, then turned and handed it to another boy who had also been chasing it. The two then exchanged a big hug in the aisle.
NERIS SUSPENDED
Phillies closer Hector Neris has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing a pitch in the area of the head of Freese on Tuesday night. Neris is appealing the suspension.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Dodgers: Closer Kenley Jansen was not available after taking a grounder off his foot in the ninth inning Tuesday. Roberts said Jansen likely would be able to close in the series finale if needed. Roberts also said it's "a little bit tough to swallow" that Jansen changed his mind about the severity of a foot injury after blowing the save in Philadelphia's 9-8 victory. He told Roberts on the mound that he was good to stay in the game, but told reporters afterward that he should have been pulled.
Phillies: Philadelphia placed veteran OF Jay Bruce on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique and recalled OF Nick Williams from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Bruce was injured on a checked swing in the third inning on Tuesday. Williams went 0 for 3 with a strikeout and a walk. ... Jean Segura (heel contusion) and Maikel Franco (groin) were out of the starting lineup for the second straight night, but each popped out foul to first base while pinch-hitting.
UP NEXT
The teams close out their four-game series in Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon with Dodgers RHP Ross Stripling (4-3, 3.65) opposing Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (8-2, 3.63).
