New Dodgers Machado, Dozier lead LA to win over Astros
Manny Machado had three hits and Brian Dozier delivered a two-run double as the Los Angeles Dodgers earned a 3-2 victory Sunday to salvage a game against the visiting Houston Astros in a weekend World Series rematch series.
Walker Buehler gave up two runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings as the Dodgers won after scoring just one run and collecting seven hits combined in the first two games of the series. The Astros earned a tight 2-1 decision Friday and won in a 14-0 rout Saturday.
George Springer led off the game for the Astros with a home run, the 24th leadoff home run of his career and sixth this season. He has 19 home runs on the year. Tony Kemp also homered for the Astros, his fourth.
Springer left the game in the third inning with left thumb discomfort after he was thrown out by Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal while trying to steal second base.
Astros starter Gerrit Cole (10-4) went five innings, giving up three runs on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Buehler (5-4) also had eight strikeouts with two walks. Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen earned his 31st save.
The Dodgers had a quick answer for Springer's first-inning home run. Joc Pederson led off the bottom of the first with a walk before Machado singled. Dozier delivered his two-run double with two outs as the ball glanced off the glove of a diving Springer.
Cody Bellinger had an RBI double for the Dodgers in the third inning, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 lead..
Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick, who replaced the injured Springer, robbed Chris Taylor of a home run in the sixth inning when he reached over the fence to make a catch for the third out.
Machado and Dozier were both acquired by the Dodgers in July to help with offensive inconsistencies created when shortstop Corey Seager was lost for the season with an elbow injury and second baseman Logan Forsythe, since traded to Minnesota, continued to struggle.
Machado is 19-for-68 (.279) as a member of the Dodgers with two home runs and four extra-base hits. Dozier now has driven in a run in three of the four games he has started at second base for the Dodgers. He also has two home runs with his new club.
The Dodgers went 3-4 on their seven-game homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers and Astros. Houston improved 4-2 on its eight-game road trip that will conclude at San Francisco on Monday and Tuesday.
--Field Level Media
