Max Muncy, Justin Turner and Gavin Lux hit home runs in a six-run first inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers went deep five times on the way to a 12-1 victory over the visiting Texas Rangers on Friday.
The Rangers lost their 16th consecutive road game to match a franchise record set by the Washington Senators during their debut season of 1961. Texas last won on the road May 6 at Minnesota.
Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (8-5) gave up one run, which was unearned, over six innings in just his second career start against the Rangers. He also drove in a run on a third-inning single.
Kershaw allowed three hits and no walks while striking out nine.
Los Angeles won its fourth consecutive game in the opener of a six-game homestand.
The news was not all positive for the Dodgers, as Muncy left the game immediately after his home run with right side tightness. He was replaced at first base by Albert Pujols, who added a home run in the fourth inning.
Los Angeles’ Cody Bellinger departed in the fifth inning due to left hamstring tightness after hitting an RBI single.
Rangers right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (1-7) lasted just 2 2/3 innings, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout. He was removed after Kershaw’s RBI single.
Muncy’s two-run home run on Foltynewicz’s seventh pitch of the game was his 14th long ball of the season and gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. Justin Turner went back-to-back with Muncy for his 12th of the season before Lux hit a three-run shot for a 6-0 lead. Lux has six homers on the year.
Lux added his fourth RBI of the game in the third inning on a double, and Kershaw’s RBI hit made it 8-0. Kershaw finished with two hits.
Pujols hit his 10th of the season, and fifth in 19 games with the Dodgers, deep into the left field seats in the fourth inning. Will Smith homered in the fourth for Los Angeles, his sixth.
The Rangers spoiled the Dodgers’ chance at a shutout when Joey Gallo hit a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the sixth inning.
–Field Level Media