Gonsolin, 4 homers enough to beat Cubs
LOS ANGELES >> As the AllStar Game has drawn closer, each start by Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin has raised the likelihood that he will appear in the game, and possibly start for the National League on July 19 at Dodger Stadium.
Gonsolin leads all of Major League Baseball in earned-run average (1.62) and won-loss record (11-0) after throwing seven strong innings in the Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.
Two weeks from now, the All-Star Game will be a part of history. Gonsolin will still be expected to take the ball every fifth or sixth day for the Dodgers. Comparisons between him and the National League's other best pitchers will be a moot point. Beyond one game, the question will remain: is Gonsolin just this good now?
The right-hander had not thrown seven innings in a single outing before this month. In two July starts, against the Padres and Cubs, he's done it twice. He did not issue a walk in either game, preferring to pound the strike zone and challenge opponents to put the ball in play.
Chicago could only scratch across four hits against Gonsolin. The Cubs' only runs against him came in the fifth, when Alfonso Rivas singled and Christopher Morel cleared the left-field fence with a two-run home run. It was the eighth home run Gonsolin has allowed in 16 appearances this season.
The Dodgers' offense rested on the home run too. They hit four.
Mookie Betts led the way with two solo home runs: one in the top of the first inning against Cubs starter Mark Leiter Jr. (2-3) and another in the eighth inning against Michael Rucker. A finalist to start the All-Star Game himself — the fans' vote for the starting position players will be revealed today — Betts has 20 home runs this season, tied for fifth in the National League.
Gavin Lux and Justin Turner also homered for the Dodgers (53-29), who have won four straight. Lux's home run, a two-run moonshot into the Cubs' bullpen, followed a double by Trayce Thompson.
Turner had only four home runs to show for his first 69 games of the season. In eight games dating to June 30, he's hit four.