The Dodgers were able to bump-up their lead by a half game, at least until the Dbacks play tonight, with an extra innings win on Thursday.
The Pirates put up one in the first for an early lead but the Dodgers stole it back with two in the fourth off Blake DeWitt’s two-run single. The Pirates tied it up in the sixth but the Dodgers took the lead again in the seventh with Andre Ethier delivering an infield RBI-single, though the Dodgers had the bases loaded and could only score one run. They were then blanked by the Pirates bullpen, five pitchers used, until the 12th when James Loney drove an RBI-single with the bases loaded.
Clayton Kershaw pitched a two-hitter, giving up one run through five while striking out five. He gave up a run in the first but then shut out the Pirates until being lifted after five. Saito tossed the sixth but gave the Pirates a run on an RBI-single. Cory Wade then threw two innings, but allowed the Pirates to tie it in the seventh on an RBI-single. Park, Beimel, and Proctor then combined for three scoreless innings, with Proctor picking up the win after Broxton closed out the 12th inning, leaving the tying runner on third.
The Dodgers return home after going 7-3 on the road trip. They will host the Giants, with Barry Zito making the start for them on Sunday, who is 1-2 this season against the Dodgers. Greg Maddux will take the mound for the Dodgers, who is making his first start since getting a no-decision against Colorado with a perfect game into the fifth outing. He is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA against the Giants this year.
