Los Angeles Dodgers

5/26/23 LV:

L Rays 9-3

Dodgers fans, we here at LA Xtown Rivals settled in for what turned out to be an electrifying night at the ballpark! The Tampa Bay Rays clashed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated showdown reminiscent of their epic World Series battle. Cooper Criswell, a young and talented pitcher, notched his first big league win after relieving Jalen Beeks in the second inning. Displaying composure beyond his years, Criswell expertly maneuvered out of tight spots, inducing impressive inning-ending double plays that left fans in awe.

The Rays’ pitching staff, consisting of eight talented hurlers, stifled the Dodgers’ offense, allowing a mere three hits in scoring positions. Their resilience and clutch performances were on full display, delivering crucial pitches when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Yandy Díaz, back in the lineup after a personal absence, wasted no time making an impact. With a thunderous solo homer and a scorching double, Díaz proved to be a key contributor to the Rays’ success.

Despite the Dodgers’ efforts, their star pitcher Noah Syndergaard struggled on the mound, surrendering six runs in six innings. Frustrated by his diminished arsenal, Syndergaard vowed to bounce back and regain his former prowess. The Rays’ offensive prowess continued to shine as Jose Siri added a two-run blast, extending their league-leading home run count to an impressive 99.

Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers showcased his hitting prowess with a continued 15-game hitting streak. However, even his contributions fell short as the Rays’ pitching staff held the Dodgers at bay. The Rays’ speed and aggression on the basepaths were also on display, stealing four bases to further solidify their dominance.

Defensive excellence took center stage with Chris Taylor of the Dodgers making spectacular plays, robbing potential extra-base hits with remarkable catches. Taylor’s versatility as a player was further highlighted with an RBI double to cap off his impressive performance.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate an enticing pitching matchup between the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow in the next game, promising another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry.

That wraps up tonight’s thrilling game, reminding us once again why we love the game of baseball. Stay tuned to LA Crosstown Rivals for more exciting action to come! This is Lucky Vincent, signing off.

5/22/23 LV:

Oh, what a thrilling comeback it was for our Dodgers! They faced an early 4-0 deficit against the Braves, but they refused to back down. Our superstar Freddie Freeman, in his triumphant return to Atlanta, showed his former team what they were missing. With a powerful swing in the fifth inning, Freddie launched a majestic three-run homer that catapulted the Dodgers to the win, 6-4.

J.D. Martinez, the man with the golden bat, was also on fire. He smacked two homers, one off Charlie Morton in the second inning and another off A.J. Minter in the seventh. Martinez’s impressive display of power helped secure his 20th career multi-homer game.

Our rookie pitcher Gavin Stone had a rough start, giving up five runs in four innings, but the bullpen came to the rescue. Evan Phillips threw a scoreless fifth, and Brusdar Graterol slammed the door shut in the end, earning his third save.

The game had its tense moments too. Marcell Ozuna’s bat accidentally struck catcher Will Smith’s helmet, leading to some heated exchanges between the players. However, cooler heads prevailed, and no further conflicts arose.

One year after his emotional return to Atlanta, Freddie Freeman was all smiles this time around. He acknowledged the warm reception from the fans, tipping his helmet in gratitude. Freeman, reunited with his former teammate Jason Heyward, expressed how surreal it feels to come full circle.

In unfortunate news, Clayton Kershaw was placed on the bereavement list to attend his mother’s funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kershaw and his family during this difficult time. He is expected to rejoin the team soon and make his next start on Saturday.

Next up, we have Bobby Miller making his debut for the Dodgers against Atlanta’s Spencer Strider. It promises to be an exciting clash of hard-throwing right-handers.

Stay tuned, Dodgers fans! The boys in blue are relentless, and they’ll continue to fight for victory with every swing of the bat and pitch on the mound. This is Lucky Vincent, signing off.

5/19/23 LV:

Hi everybody, “Lucky” Vincent here for LA Crosstown Rivals with a recap of the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and our beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we were hoping for as the Cardinals emerged victorious with a 10-5 win.

The Cardinals have been on quite a tear lately, winning 11 of their last 14 games after a rough start to the season. Their newest addition, Oscar Mercado, had a fantastic day, going 3 for 4 and driving in five runs. He’s been making an immediate impact since his St. Louis debut just a few days ago.

The Dodgers got off to a rocky start as Clayton Kershaw struggled on the mound, giving up three runs in the second inning. Mercado delivered a two-run double to cap off the Cardinals’ rally. It was a tough outing for Kershaw, who allowed four runs over 3 2/3 innings and gave up three doubles in the second, a first in his illustrious career.

Mercado wasn’t done yet, adding a two-run single in the fifth inning. The Cardinals have been on a roll lately, winning their last four series and scoring double-digit runs on multiple occasions since early May.

Paul DeJong joined the offensive showcase with a three-run homer in the seventh, extending the Cardinals’ lead to 10-3. He also scored four runs in the game, matching his career high.

On the Dodgers’ side, Max Muncy had a frustrating day and was ejected by third base umpire Paul Emmel after arguing a called strikeout in the fourth inning. It was a disappointing moment for Muncy and the team.

As for the pitching, Drew VerHagen came in relief for the Cardinals and retired seven consecutive batters after replacing starter Jack Flaherty in the fourth inning.

While it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, the Dodgers have had a strong start to the season and will look to bounce back. We’ll be rooting for them as they head to Atlanta for a series against the Braves.

That’s all for now. Until next time, this is Lucky Vincent, wishing you a great day and reminding you to keep the faith in our Boys in Blue.

5/19/23 LV:

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round for a thrilling recap of Friday night’s clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. In a game filled with excitement, Mookie Betts unleashed a three-run bomb, while Tony Gonsolin and the Dodgers’ bullpen combined their talents to stifle the Cardinals’ offense, resulting in a resounding 5-0 triumph.

Gonsolin, who has been steadily making his way back from a spring training ankle injury, took the mound and delivered a masterful performance. With just one hit surrendered and two walks allowed over five innings, he showcased the All-Star form that defined his 2022 season. This victory followed his recent five-scoreless-innings gem against San Diego, setting the stage for another remarkable outing.

After a remarkable offensive display the day prior, in which the Cardinals flexed their muscles with seven homers and a whopping 16 runs, they were unable to replicate that success on this occasion. Mustering a mere two singles, their bats were silenced by the combined efforts of Brusdar Graterol, Shelby Miller, Caleb Ferguson, and Tyler Cyr, who followed Gonsolin on the mound and shut down the Cardinals’ hopes.

Taking the mound for the Cardinals, Steven Matz faced a formidable challenge. Over the course of 4 2/3 innings, he conceded six hits, including four doubles. The sole run he allowed was unearned. Matz has not tasted victory for St. Louis since September 17 of the previous year when he made a relief appearance. His most recent triumph as a starter dates back to July 23, 2022, against Cincinnati.

The Dodgers took the lead in the fifth inning when Chris Taylor crushed a double to deep left field, bringing Mookie Betts home. Betts reached base on a throwing error committed by third baseman Nolan Arenado. With two outs on the board, Matz believed he had struck out J.D. Martinez, but to his dismay, the pitch was called ball four. Seizing the opportunity, Taylor ripped a line drive into the corner, snapping his hitless streak and forcing Matz out of the game.

But Betts wasn’t done making his mark on the contest. In the eighth inning, he wasted no time, launching the first pitch he saw from Chris Stratton into the left field bullpen for a majestic home run. It marked Betts’ 10th long ball of the season, further solidifying the Dodgers’ status as the National League’s home run leaders, tied with Atlanta with 75 round-trippers. Later in the inning, Will Smith added to the Dodgers’ lead with a run-scoring single following Freddie Freeman’s double, stretching the advantage to a comfortable 5-0 margin.

In other notable moments, Paul Goldschmidt continued his thieving ways, swiping second base in the third inning. He now boasts an impressive streak of 30 consecutive stolen bases without being caught, currently the longest active streak in all of Major League Baseball. Furthermore, as a team, the Cardinals have successfully executed 20 consecutive stolen bases, resulting in a league-leading stolen base percentage of 87.5%. This marks their best single-season performance in franchise history, surpassing their 2021 team’s success rate of 80.2%.

Let us not forget the defensive brilliance on display as well. Center fielder James Outman showcased his athleticism in the sixth inning, leaping high into the air to rob Goldschmidt of a potential home run that would have found a resting place in the right field bleachers.

In terms of roster moves, the Dodgers made a transaction by selecting the contract of right-handed pitcher Tyler Cyr and opting to send Andre Jackson to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Turning our attention to the health of the players, it’s worth noting that Dodgers right-hander Michael Grove, who has been recovering from a right groin strain, has been engaging in batting practice sessions at the training facility in Arizona. However, he is not yet ready for a rehab assignment after departing his April 20 start in the fourth inning.

As for the Cardinals, right fielder Tommy Edman was absent from the starting lineup due to lower abdominal soreness but made a pinch-hit appearance in the eighth inning, only to strike out. This setback came after a collision with center fielder Lars Nootbar, who valiantly ventured into deep territory in pursuit of a long drive that Edman ultimately caught.

And there you have it, folks! A captivating recap of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ commanding 5-0 triumph over the St. Louis Cardinals. We bid you farewell, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of exhilarating baseball action.

5/20/23 LV:

Ladies and gentlemen, what a thrilling game we witnessed at Dodger Stadium tonight! Thank you for checking in at LA Crosstown Rivals, your source for Los Angeles Pro Sports Standings and Scores. Did you know we’re on Instagram and Facebook? Follow us to keep on top of your favorite LA crosstown rivals.

The St. Louis Cardinals came out swinging and delivered a resounding blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nolan Gorman, a young talent on the rise, stepped up when it mattered most, launching a majestic three-run homer off Victor González in the eighth inning. That swing of the bat propelled the Cardinals to a 6-5 victory and lifted them out of the NL Central cellar for the first time in nearly a month.

The drama didn’t end there, my friends. The Dodgers fought tooth and nail, rallying with two runs in the ninth to create a nail-biting finish. But in a crucial moment, with the potential tying run on second base, Mookie Betts couldn’t connect, taking a called third strike from Giovanny Gallegos. The crowd held its breath as that full-count fastball painted the outside corner. With that, the Cardinals emerged triumphant, leaving the Dodgers to ponder what might have been.

St. Louis has been on a tear recently, winning 10 of their last 13 games after enduring an eight-game losing streak. Their resilience has propelled them into fourth place in the division, just ahead of the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals had languished in last place since April 26, but tonight’s victory, fueled by Gorman’s heroics, signifies a turning point for this team.

It was a moment of pure joy for Gorman, who admitted the electric atmosphere in the stadium fired him up. His home run, his second against left-handed pitchers in his young career, traveled a mighty 400 feet into the Cardinals bullpen in right field. What a way to celebrate the first anniversary of his major league debut! Manager Oliver Marmol showed confidence in Gorman, allowing him to face more lefties, and the young slugger seized the opportunity with great poise and power.

Miles Mikolas took the mound for the Cardinals and delivered an impressive performance, allowing just three runs and six hits over a season-high seven innings. He showcased great control, keeping the ball down when needed and elevating it at the right moments. Mikolas’s strong outing, combined with the offensive firepower led by Gorman, proved to be the winning formula for St. Louis.

Let’s not forget the Dodgers’ J.D. Martinez, who displayed his own power with a clutch three-run homer in the sixth inning. However, it was not enough to overcome the Cardinals’ surge. Noah Syndergaard, the Dodgers’ starter, battled through five innings, surrendering three runs and four hits, ultimately earning a no-decision. The Dodgers will look to bounce back tomorrow as they send Clayton Kershaw to the mound to face the hometown hero Jack Flaherty of the Cardinals.

This game had everything a baseball fan could hope for—tense moments, remarkable displays of talent, and the thrill of victory and defeat. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love this game. Until next time, folks, this is Lucky Vincent signing off from Dodger Stadium.

5/4/23 LV:

It’s Lucky Vincent here again, your trusty LA Dodgers reporter giving you the scoop on the Dodger’s latest game. Don’t forget to come here to LA Xtown Rivals for all your LA pro sports standings and scores.

Ah, what a game we witnessed at Dodger Stadium, my friends! The Los Angeles Dodgers, trailing by five runs early on, showcased their remarkable resilience and came back with a bang to secure a thrilling 10-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. With this win, the Dodgers extended their winning streak to an impressive six games, reaching new heights this season.

Max Muncy, the hero of the night, delivered a game-ending grand slam that electrified the crowd. The Dodgers, known for their offensive prowess, outscored the defending NL champions a staggering 36-11 in the three-game series, leaving no doubt about their dominance. Every game saw them reaching double digits, demonstrating their potent lineup.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn’t contain his excitement, praising the team’s makeup and culture. He applauded their selflessness, with players willingly sacrificing playing time and at-bats for the greater good of the team. This camaraderie and unity have truly propelled the Dodgers forward as the season progresses.

The game had its fair share of twists and turns. Pinch-hitter Austin Barnes provided a clutch hit in the eighth inning, giving the Dodgers a narrow lead. However, the Phillies fought back and tied the game in the ninth. Bryce Harper, in an outstanding performance, singled and played a significant role in the Phillies’ resurgence.

The tension was palpable as the game reached its climax. Chris Taylor ignited the Dodgers’ rally with a leadoff single in the bottom half of the inning. Mookie Betts struck out, but Freddie Freeman received an intentional walk, loading the bases. Then, Will Smith drew a walk, setting the stage for Muncy’s heroics. With one powerful swing, Muncy sent the ball soaring into the right-field seats, notching his 12th home run of the season, leading the Major League in that category.

This victory showcased the Dodgers’ depth, with contributions from rookie Miguel Vargas, who hit a two-run homer, and Gavin Stone, who made his MLB debut on the mound. On the other side, Aaron Nola pitched solidly for the Phillies, but their early lead vanished as they couldn’t sustain their momentum.

As we look ahead, the Dodgers are making strategic moves to maintain their success. The addition of a sixth starter, Gavin Stone, allowed them to adjust their rotation for the upcoming series against their rivals, the San Diego Padres. Clayton Kershaw, the veteran left-hander, will take the mound in the series opener, showcasing his exceptional consistency.

While the Phillies may have been disappointed with the loss, Bryce Harper, who had a fantastic game, expressed his team’s determination to improve. Harper emphasized that such collapses should not happen if they want to achieve their goals.

What an exhilarating game it was, my friends! The Dodgers showcased their unwavering spirit, while the Phillies experienced the ups and downs of a competitive battle. We eagerly await the next chapter in this exciting baseball season, with the Dodgers sending Kershaw to face the Padres on Friday. Stay tuned for more thrilling action!

5/3/23 LV:

Ladies and gentlemen, it was a night of mixed fortunes for Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies. Harper returned to the lineup after a lengthy absence due to Tommy John surgery, but he faced a daunting challenge against the impressive Julio Urías of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Unfortunately for Harper, it was a tough night at the plate as he went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

Harper’s surgery took place on November 23, and the initial expectation was for him to return around the All-Star break in mid-July. However, Harper’s determination and hard work paid off as he was cleared to play by Dr. Neal ElAttrache and made his return sooner than anticipated. Nevertheless, facing Urías in his first game back was no easy task. Harper has struggled against the left-hander in the past, and this matchup proved to be no different. His timing seemed decent, but pitch selection was an issue as he saw a barrage of breaking balls.

On the mound, Urías was simply magnificent. He showcased his skill and dominance, allowing only one hit—a leadoff home run by Trea Turner in the fourth inning. Urías recorded 10 strikeouts over seven innings, effectively silencing a Phillies lineup that boasted a solid batting average. This stellar performance marked a much-needed turnaround for Urías, who had experienced a three-game losing streak in his previous outings.

Despite Harper’s struggles and Urías’ brilliance, the Dodgers’ offense was the star of the show once again. Miguel Vargas led the way with four hits, while Mookie Betts continued his recent hot streak with three hits and three RBIs. Freddie Freeman also made his presence felt with a two-run homer in the eighth inning. The Dodgers’ lineup demonstrated great discipline and took advantage of their opportunities, delivering strong at-bats throughout the game.

In the end, it was a resounding 13-1 victory for the Dodgers, who showcased their dominance both on the mound and at the plate. Manager Dave Roberts praised Urías for his aggressive mindset and consistency, while also recognizing the team’s collective effort and solid baseball on both sides of the field.

Looking ahead, the Phillies will turn to Aaron Nola to try and turn the tide against the Dodgers. Nola holds a 2-0 record against Los Angeles and will aim to lead his team to victory. On the other side, the Dodgers will give Gavin Stone the opportunity to make his major-league debut.

Baseball never fails to deliver excitement, my friends, and we eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling matchup between the Phillies and the Dodgers.

5/1/23 LV:

And on a Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their ability to win without relying solely on the long ball. In a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dodgers manufactured runs through smart baserunning and timely hits, capitalizing on mistakes made by the Cardinals’ pitching staff.

With a 1-for-15 performance with runners in scoring position, the Dodgers demonstrated the value of team offense, scoring runs through groundouts, sacrifice flies, and even a wild pitch. Noah Syndergaard earned his first win as a Dodger, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on eight hits. Despite their slow start, the Dodgers have now won seven of their last 10 games and completed their first series sweep of the season. As first baseman Freddie Freeman noted, it’s a positive sign for the team to come together and perform well as they head into May.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals find themselves in a challenging position, having been swept for the second time this season and struggling on their 10-game road trip.

The game also marked a somber moment for the Cardinals, as they mourned the loss of Mike Shannon, a beloved figure who contributed 50 years in the broadcast booth and played for the team’s World Series championship teams in 1964 and 1967.

Looking ahead, the Cardinals will face the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series, while the Dodgers will take on the Philadelphia Phillies, with Tony Gonsolin set to make his second start of the season on Monday.

5/1/23 LV:

Well, my friends, what a night it was at Dodger Stadium! The Los Angeles Dodgers put on an offensive spectacle, slugging their way to a resounding 13-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers’ bats were on fire, connecting for four home runs and accumulating a season-best 15 hits. It was a sight to behold.

Leading the charge was Mookie Betts, who had an outstanding performance with three hits, including a two-run homer. Betts, who had been struggling at the plate, came alive during this homestand, raising his average by an impressive 19 points. He also drove in three runs, making a significant impact on the game.

The Dodgers’ power surge continued throughout the lineup. David Peralta, who had been in a slump, broke out with a two-hit night, including a crucial three-run homer. Freddie Freeman also contributed with three hits, including a two-run single in the fourth inning. The Dodgers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with complete contributions from every player in the lineup.

It was a return to the long ball for the Dodgers after a couple of games without a home run. The team’s display of power has been a recurring theme this season, as they have hit at least three homers in a game on ten occasions, second only to the Tampa Bay Rays in the majors.

On the Phillies’ side, slugger Bryce Harper received good news as he was cleared to return less than six months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Harper’s imminent activation off the injured list adds firepower to the Phillies’ lineup.

The Dodgers’ pitching was also noteworthy, with Victor Gonzalez earning the win after allowing just one hit in 1 1/3 innings of work. However, it was a rough outing for Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker, who surrendered a season-high eight runs in just 3 1/3 innings.

Looking ahead, left-hander Matt Strahm takes the mound for the Phillies in Tuesday night’s game, facing off against Dodgers lefty Julio Urías. Strahm will aim to halt the Dodgers’ offensive onslaught, while Urías, with a strong career record against the Phillies, looks to secure another victory for the boys in blue.

Baseball continues to captivate us with its thrills and surprises, my friends. Stay tuned for more action-packed games, as the Dodgers and Phillies battle it out on the diamond.

4/30/23 LV:

Ladies and gentlemen, what a captivating performance we witnessed at Dodger Stadium as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the struggling St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 1-0. Clayton Kershaw, the masterful left-hander, continued his exceptional start to the season with seven brilliant innings on the mound.

From the first pitch, Kershaw exhibited absolute dominance, not allowing a single baserunner until the fifth inning. His pinpoint control and devastating pitches left the Cardinals batters guessing, as he struck out nine without issuing a walk. Kershaw’s mastery of the game was on full display as he navigated through the Cardinals’ tough lineup.

In the second inning, the Dodgers managed to scratch across the lone run of the game when Austin Barnes delivered an RBI single. It was a crucial hit that proved to be the difference-maker in this tightly contested matchup.

Kershaw’s counterpart, Cardinals left-hander Jordan Montgomery, put forth a commendable effort on the mound. Despite striking out seven over 6 2/3 innings and surrendering just five hits, Montgomery was dealt another tough-luck defeat. The Cardinals’ struggles continued as they dropped five out of their last six games, including this West Coast trip.

Barnes, who has been battling through a rough patch at the plate, came through with the pivotal run-scoring single. It was a much-needed contribution for Barnes, who acknowledged the significance of providing support to Kershaw.

Defensively, both teams displayed their prowess. Carlson made an impressive over-the-shoulder catch on Mookie Betts’ deep drive, while Kershaw’s brilliance kept the Cardinals’ bats at bay.

The Dodgers showcased their speed on the basepaths, swiping three bases, including a multi-steal game by Freddie Freeman. These stolen bases added an extra dimension to their offensive attack.

As the game unfolded, it became evident that Kershaw’s performance was one of his finest this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his command and the quality of his pitches, highlighting the exceptional nature of Kershaw’s outing.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers aim to secure a series sweep in Sunday’s matchup. The Cardinals, on the other hand, hope to turn the tide and salvage a win to cap off their challenging West Coast trip.

Stay tuned, folks, as the drama of baseball continues to unfold, reminding us of the unparalleled beauty and excitement that this game brings to our lives.