LOS ANGELES — Matthew Boyd outdueled Landon Knack over five scoreless innings, Andrés Giménez hit a two-run homer in the sixth and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Friday night in a matchup of division leaders.
The NL West-leading Dodgers managed just two baserunners through five innings. Mookie Betts doubled in the first when Boyd hit Teoscar Hernández in the left foot.
Hernandez exited the game with a left-foot contusion. After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters the injury is “not great.” X-rays were negative, but he will have scans on Saturday and appears likely to go on the IL.
Shohei Ohtani went deep in bottom of the sixth for his 45th home run and 100th RBI of the season that left the Dodgers trailing 2-1.
The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the eighth. Ohtani singled, Betts doubled and Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked by reliever Hunter Gaddis. Chris Taylor, who had replaced Hernández, grounded into a double play to end the threat.
Boyd (2-1) allowed one run and three hits in six innings. The left-hander struck out six and walked none.
Emmanuel Clase retired the side in the ninth to earn his 42nd save.
Bryan Rocchio singled leading off the sixth and one out later Giménez sent Knack’s first pitch into right for a 2-0 lead.
Rocchio added a solo shot off Anthony Banda that landed in the Dodgers’ bullpen for a 3-1 lead in the eighth on a night when the game-time temperature was 86 degrees (30 Celsius). It soared to over 100 (37 Celsius) earlier in the day and as a result the Dodgers are skipping batting practice this weekend because of the unusual triple-digit temperatures..
Knack (2-3) didn’t allow a hit until José Ramírez singled in the fifth. It was just the second baserunner for the AL Central-leading Guardians after Kyle Manzardo walked in the second.
Knack was recalled before the game to make his ninth start of the season for the Dodgers. The right-hander gave up two runs and three hits in six innings. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday after developing a blister on his right middle finger.
Dodgers: RHP Gavin Stone (right shoulder inflammation) went on the IL after being the only pitcher to remain healthy most of the season. … LF Hernández has a left foot contusion after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.
UP NEXT
RHP Gavin Williams (3-7, 4.55 ERA) moves up a day to start Saturday in place of Cobb. LHP Justin Wrobleski (1-1, 6.88) comes up from the minors for the third time for the Dodgers, who weren’t sure if he will open or start.
— With files from Sportsnet Staff
Teoscar Hernández, outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, left the game early during a tough defeat against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night. The Dodgers fell to the Guardians with a final score of 7-2, and Hernández’s departure from the game added to the team’s struggles.
Hernández, who was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this season, has been a key player for the team with his powerful bat and solid defensive skills. However, he has been dealing with some injury issues recently, which may have contributed to his early exit from the game.
The specifics of Hernández’s injury were not immediately clear, but it is likely that the Dodgers will provide an update on his status in the coming days. Losing Hernández for any amount of time would be a blow to the Dodgers, as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in a competitive National League West division.
Despite the loss and Hernández’s early departure, the Dodgers will look to bounce back in their next game and continue their push towards the postseason. With a talented roster and strong leadership from manager Dave Roberts, the team remains confident in their ability to overcome any obstacles that come their way.
As fans eagerly await news on Hernández’s condition, they can take solace in the fact that the Dodgers have shown resilience throughout the season and have the depth to overcome injuries and setbacks. With a talented lineup and strong pitching staff, the team remains a formidable contender in the race for a playoff spot.
In the meantime, thoughts are with Teoscar Hernández as he recovers from his injury and looks to return to the field to help his team in their quest for a championship.