Giants beat Dodgers to take NL West lead, win battle of Buehler vs. bullpen
SAN FRANCISCO — From the moment pitchers and catchers arrived at spring training, everything about the Giants and Dodgers was supposed to be a mismatch.
The Dodgers had the better rotation, the more experienced bullpen, the deeper lineup, the most recent World Series title and the far more realistic opportunity to win the next.
The National League West isn’t decided over Labor Day weekend, but with all 19 head-to-head matchups between the Giants and Dodgers in the books, there’s no longer any reason to doubt San Francisco. With a 6-4 victory at Oracle Park on Sunday, the Giants won the season series over the Dodgers 10-9 and now hold a one game lead in the division with 25 left to play.
The Giants held a 6-2 lead entering the ninth inning, but after Austin Barnes reached on a throwing error from third baseman Kris Bryant, Albert Pujols launched a two-run home run into the left center field bleachers to put the Dodgers within striking distance. San Francisco closer Jake McGee allowed a one-out single to Max Muncy, but retired Mookie Betts and Justin Turner to end the game.
A win in Sunday’s matchup, when the Giants appeared to be at an overwhelming pitching disadvantage, only validated the club’s belief it can race to the finish line and fend off the Dodgers. Los Angeles had ace Walker Buehler on the mound against a Giants team that had nine members of its bullpen combine to cover nine innings.
Buehler entered Sunday’s start as a front-runner for the National League Cy Young Award and his dominance against the Giants has played a significant role in shaping his candidacy. In five starts against San Francisco, Buehler had logged 34 innings and only allowed three earned runs.
through to the last eight after Leylah Fernandez and Carlos Alcaraz.
Speaking after her brilliant win over Angelique Kerber on Sunday, Fernandez said was was not surprised by anything she had achieved this fortnight.
“Leylah’s achieved great results,” said Raducanu. “I think everyone is on their own trajectory. Personally, I am surprised that I’m here. I knew I was doing a lot of great work that would pay off someday, but you never know when.”
“I’m super appreciative of the moment. To be here in the US Open, quarter-finals, after not playing for 18 months, is absolutely just incredible.”
The speed of Raducanu’s rise after taking time away from the match court to focus on her A levels is extraordinary. Having been ranked outside the world’s top 350 in June, she is now projected to break into the top 75, and one more victory would make her British number one.
The other mind-blowing aspect of her run has been the ease with which she has come through matches, dropping just 15 games in four contests, fewer than any other women’s quarter-finalist in New York since Serena Williams in 2013.
Raducanu looked nervous initially and Rogers had two points for a 3-0 lead. Had she taken either of them, it might have been a very different match, but Raducanu steadied herself and Rogers began spraying the ball to all parts of the stadium.
A thumping return winner from Raducanu gave her a sixth game in a row to win the first set, and she was 5-0 up in the second before Rogers finally stopped the rot.
With Virginia Wade, a New York resident and the last British woman to win the US Open in 1968, among the appreciative spectators in the front row, Raducanu clinched victory on her fourth match point.
“It means a lot to have gone out there and to have performed,” she said. “Shelby Rogers is an extremely experienced opponent, so I knew I would have to bring it today.”
“To play on Ashe for the first time, it was a little bit of a nervy experience in the beginning. I was really proud of myself, how I managed to settle and regroup and find a level that at the end took me to the win.”
“I’m feeling very confident and happy with how I’m performing out here in the States. I feel like I’m building with each match. I’m really excited to see what I can do on Wednesday.”
It was a chastening experience for Rogers, who found herself with little energy in the tank after her big win over Barty.
“That was pretty embarrassing,” the 28year-old said. “It was a tough day at the office. Unfortunately I had to fail in front of thousands and thousands of people. So I have to live with that one.”
Rogers praised Raducanu, saying: “I have watched her the last few months. She’s been doing a lot of great stuff. I’m excited for her. That’s the next generation of our sport, and it’s in good hands.”