The Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back with a 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres to even up the weekend series at Dodger Stadium, led by the contributions of Gavin Lux and Gavin Stone.
Lux had the go-ahead hit with an RBI single that scored Max Muncy as part of a three-run sixth inning for the Dodgers. He finished the night 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.
As for Stone, he turned in his best start of his career with 6.2 innings of two-run ball. He flirted with a perfect game until giving up a leadoff walk in the sixth and would allow his first hit that inning as well.
According to OptaSTATS, the Dodgers’ victory over the Padres was the first time in MLB history that players named Gavin earned the win on the mound and drove in the game-winning run.
The start was the longest of his Stone’s career, which came on the heels of a two hour and 15 minute delay due to inclement weather. He improved to 1-1 with a 6.14 ERA, 2.23 FIP and 1.57 WHIP in 14.2 innings across three starts this season.
As for Lux, his performance was part of a big night for the bottom third of the Dodgers lineup. The combination of James Outman, Kiké Hernández and Lux went 4-for-11 with a walk, RBI and three runs scored.
Both players got off to a slow start this season, so it was encouraging to see them both contribute in a Dodgers’ victory. For Lux, his RBI also came against a left-handed pitcher, which is more notable as he has been platooned to begin the year.
If both players can continue to carry their momentum into future games, they can provide a big boost to the Dodgers at the bottom of their lineup and back of their rotation.
Dodgers-Padres rubber match
The Dodgers’ win over the Padres set the stage for a rubber match in Sunday’s series finale at Dodger Stadium. James Paxton will start for L.A. and be opposed by Yu Darvish on the mound.
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