Andy Pages delivered a game-winning single in the 11th inning, securing his fourth hit of the game as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged past the Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Friday night.
Gavin Stone had a solid pitching performance, and Teoscar Hernandez hit a home run in a clash between two top baseball teams. Austin Riley and Ronald Acuna Jr. also hit homers for the Braves.
In the crucial 11th inning with Will Smith on second base, Atlanta’s manager Brian Snitker opted to intentionally walk Max Muncy. This set the stage for Teoscar Hernandez, who hit into a fielder’s choice, paving the way for Pages to seal the win with a full-count single against Jesse Chavez.
“I was thrilled to contribute to the team’s victory with my first career walkoff hit,” Pages said, expressing his joy through an interpreter.
Michael Grove earned the win, closing out the 11th inning without allowing any runs. Orlando Arcia’s sacrifice fly in the 10th inning had earlier given Atlanta a brief lead by scoring Luke Williams from second base.
The Dodgers responded in the bottom of the 10th inning when Shohei Ohtani’s single to center field drove in Chris Taylor from second base. Ohtani, who managed a hit, two walks, and a stolen base in the game, showcased his versatility.
Stone’s six-inning stint on the mound was surrendering only one run while striking out five and conceding five hits. The 25-year-old pitcher, who had limited appearances in his rookie season last year, is showing promising progress in the Dodgers’ rotation, especially with several key pitchers sidelined due to injuries like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller.
“This year feels way different compared to last year,” Stone remarked about his performance against the Braves. “I’m much more self-assured on the mound and have greater faith in my pitches. Yeah, it’s just a whole different experience.”
Charlie Morton pitched for six innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out five batters and conceding five hits. Riley kicked off the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, sending the ball 449 feet to left field. This marked his third homer of the season and his first since April 7.
Acuna, who has faced offensive struggles this season, singled to center field earlier in the game but was later caught off guard and picked off at second base.
Despite stumbling and hobbling on his right foot, Acuna managed to stay in the game and even hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning. Smith contributed to the scoring in the third inning with a single that brought Ohtani home, leveling the score.
Teoscar Hernandez then put the Dodgers ahead with a solo home run to right field in the fourth inning, marking his seventh homer of the season.
