Dodgers’ Hernández Nearly Single-Handedly Beats Giants in Series Opener

Dodgers’ Hernández Nearly Single-Handedly Beats Giants in Series Opener
Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after driving in the go-ahead run with an eighth-inning single against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles on July 22, 2024. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo)
The Associated Press
Updated:

LOS ANGELES—Teoscar Hernández had three hits and three RBIs, including a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to four games by beating the San Francisco Giants 3–2 in Monday night’s opener of a four-game series.

Hernández lined a base hit up the middle with two outs in the eighth to drive in Kiké Hernández, who got aboard with a leadoff double against Erik Miller (3–3).

It was Teoscar Hernández’s 27th RBI with two outs, tied for fourth-most in the National League.

“The beginning of the season, I was not really good with runners in scoring position,“ he said. ”I think it was because I was trying to do too much and trying to cover the whole plate. Right now, it is more having a plan and executing it the way I want it to be. Just stick with it, even if I don’t get the job done.”

Tyler Fitzgerald became the first Giants player to homer in four straight games since Brandon Belt did it twice in 2018. Fitzgerald connected on an elevated sinker from Ryan Yarbrough to tie the game 2–2 in the seventh inning.

River Ryan allowed one unearned run over 5 1/3 innings in his major-league debut for the Dodgers. The 23-year-old right-hander, acquired from San Diego in a 2022 trade, gave up four hits, with two strikeouts and three walks.

“I just tried to stay locked in all day, get my job done, and give us a chance to win it,” said Ryan, who pitched into the sixth inning for the first time in his professional career.

Manager Dave Roberts said Ryan’s next start will likely be with the Dodgers, instead of being sent back down to the minors.

“I thought the stuff was good. I think there’s more in there,” Roberts said. “I thought he was very efficient. He was attacking. I love that.”

Blake Treinen (4–2) pitched a scoreless eighth and Daniel Hudson earned his seventh save.

Teoscar Hernández went deep for the second straight game when he drove a low, inside slider from Giants starter Blake Snell into the left-field bleachers to even the game at 1–1 in the fourth. It was his 21st homer of the season, which ranks fifth in the National League.

The outfielder, who won the July 15 All-Star Home Run Derby, then gave the Dodgers a brief lead with an RBI single in the sixth.

“My sequences with him the whole game were not what I would have liked. It was his day today, so hats off to him. Good swings,” said Snell, who went six innings and gave up two runs on four hits. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner struck out four and walked two.

The Giants struck first with two outs in the fourth when LaMonte Wade Jr. scored on Will Smith’s passed ball.

Dodgers pitcher River Ryan works against the Giants during his major-league debut in Los Angeles on July 22, 2024. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo)
Dodgers pitcher River Ryan works against the Giants during his major-league debut in Los Angeles on July 22, 2024. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo)

Say Hey

The Dodgers held a special video tribute to late Hall of Famer Willie Mays before the game. It was the Giants’ first trip to Dodger Stadium since Mays died on June 18. Mays’ son, Michael, was in attendance.

Trainer’s Room

Giants: Manager Bob Melvin said veteran left-hander Robbie Ray is on track to make his season debut Wednesday. San Francisco acquired Ray in a January trade with Seattle after he underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow last year. His last game in the major leagues was on March 31, 2023.
Dodgers: The Dodgers designated veteran left-hander James Paxton for assignment to make room on the roster for Ryan. Paxton, 35, had gone 8–2 with a 4.43 earned-run average after having signed a one-year, $7 million contract during the offseason. ... Shortstop Miguel Rojas was out of the lineup due to right-forearm tightness.

Up Next

Giants right-hander Jordan Hicks (4–6, 3.79 earned-run average) is set to start Tuesday. Hicks is 0–5 in his past nine starts. The Dodgers plan to counter with rookie right-hander Landon Knack (1–2, 3.23).
By Joe Reedy