Dodgers' Gonsolin shines in 2023 comeback game, notching 17 hits for a 12-7 win against the Marlins
LA DODGERS OBLITERATE MARLINS, EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO FIVE
In a thrilling showdown at Dodger Stadium, the LA Dodgers demolished the Miami Marlins, securing a 12-7 victory and extending their triumphant streak to five games. On this scorching Wednesday, the focus was on returning pitcher Tony Gonsolin, who took the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Gonsolin's comeback was a six-inning tour de force. He allowed three runs, struck out nine, and exhibited a flawless walk, displaying his immense potential in just his first start since August 2023. His impeccable performance, marked by 77 well-placed pitches, left the Marlins struggling to keep up.
The Dodgers, who amassed a staggering 17 hits, extended a 4-3 lead to an insurmountable 8-3 in the sixth inning. The rally began with Mookie Betts' two-run triple, ricocheting off the center-field wall, followed by Freddie Freeman's two-run homer. Betts, the cog that keeps this team turning, played a pivotal role earlier in the third inning as well, driving in two runs with a single.
Cal Quantrill suffered the defeat, ceding four runs and six hits in three and two-thirds innings. This setback dropped Quantrill's record to 1-7, with an alarming 8.22 ERA against the formidable Dodgers. Kyle Stowers retaliated for the Marlins with two homers.
MAX MUNCY MAKES A SPLASH
The spotlight in this game was shared with Max Muncy, who blasted a Quantrill fastball 433 feet to dead center in the second inning, marking his first home run of the season. Muncy, who boasted an average of 32 home runs per season from 2018 to 2023, entered this game with a humble .180 average and four RBIs in 28 games. To add to his tally, Muncy notched up a triple in the seventh.
HOT BATS AND GLITTERING RECORDS
For the Marlins, Jesus Sanchez, Augustin Ramirez, Otto Lopez, and Javier Sanoja displayed their worth, with each claiming a win or a run scored. For the Dodgers, Miguel Rojas, Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pagan, and Kike Hernandez shone brightly, contributing to the team's impressive offensive display.
Gonsolin's return to the mound shook the baseball world, but his journey has not been without hurdles. After impressing in his first three games back, including a promising debut against the Diamondbacks, Gonsolin faced a stumble in a game against the Mets[2][4], prompting his recent absence due to right elbow discomfort. Despite a rocky road to recovery, the Dodgers have high hopes for their ace pitcher, as they gear up for the playoffs[1]. It's a testament to their pitching depth, which they bank on to keep them in the race. The Dodgers are counting on their internal talent to weather this season and emerge victorious.
In the midst of their five-game winning streak, Max Muncy made a significant impact for the Dodgers by launching his first home run of the season against the Marlins. Despite facing some challenges, their pitcher Tony Gonsolin, after his comeback from Tommy John surgery, averaged an impressive nine strikeouts per game, a statistic that is typically associated with top MLB pitchers.
