Jason Heyward came through with a game-changing moment in the eighth inning, hitting a three-run home run that secured a 6-3 win for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the struggling Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night. Heyward’s homer, which came off a 99 mph fastball from All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz (2-5), was his second pinch-hit home run this season and the third of his career.
After Will Smith was hit by a pitch and Max Muncy walked, Tommy Edman’s strikeout set the stage for Heyward’s clutch hit. “It’s challenging to get runners on base against a closer, so it feels great to contribute,” Heyward remarked. “I was ready to capitalize on another pitch in the zone.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Heyward’s performance, calling it one of the season’s highlights. Meanwhile, Muncy and Gavin Lux both homered for the second consecutive game. With this victory, the NL West-leading Dodgers, boasting the best record in the majors at 75-52, have now won three straight and four of their last five games.
Joe Kelly (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning, and Daniel Hudson secured his 10th save with a perfect ninth inning. On the other hand, Jorge Polanco drove in three runs with two hits for the Mariners, who have now lost the first two games of the series and seven of eight on their current road trip.
Mookie Betts evened the score at 3 with an RBI double in the seventh inning off Muñoz, who had a 1.35 ERA before that. Betts attempted to score on Teoscar Hernández’s single but was thrown out at home.
Bryce Miller’s scoreless streak ended at 16 innings when Lux hit a homer in the fourth inning. Muncy, back from an oblique strain, also homered during the game, contributing to the Dodgers’ comeback.
Polanco’s key hits came on 1-2 counts, including a two-run single in the first and an RBI double in the third. Buehler, who struggled in his four innings of work, allowed seven runs in his two starts since returning from a nearly two-month stint on the injured list due to hip inflammation.
Despite his struggles, Buehler expressed frustration but also noted he feels closer to his old self. “I made a few poor pitches, and Polanco took advantage. I’m frustrated, but I think I’m getting closer to my best form,” Buehler said.