UNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are still alive in the NL Championship Series after snapping out of their hitting funk while getting an outstanding performance from six relievers.
Chris Taylor slammed three home runs and drove in six as the Dodgers clobbered the Braves, 11-2 in Game 5, sending the series back to Atlanta. Taylor belted two-run homers in the second and fifth innings before delivering a solo shot. He overshadowed teammate AJ Pollock, who provided a solo shot and a three-run blast.
Taylor had four of the Dodgers’ 17 hits, while Pollock, Trea Turner and Cody Bellinger had three apiece.
The LA bullpen limited Atlanta to three runs while striking out nine over 8 1/3 innings. Dodgers relievers allowed their team to rebound after starter Joe Kelly left with an injury in the first inning, shortly after giving up a two-run homer to Freddie Freeman.
Losing pitcher Max Fried was lifted with two out in the fifth, charged with five runs and eight hits.
Game 6 is Saturday in Atlanta.
Braves slugger Jorge Soler struck out as a pinch-hitter after being cleared for COVID-19.
Dodgers infielder Justin Turner is done for the season following a hamstring injury sustained in Wednesday’s loss.
Game 6 starters announced
HOUSTON (AP) — It will be Luis Garcia starting for the Astros against Boston’s Nathan Eovaldi in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series on Friday.
Astros manager Dusty Baker announced his pitching selection Thursday afternoon as his team holds a three-games-to-two lead in the series. García started Game 2 and gave up a grand slam in the first inning before leaving with no outs in the second because of discomfort in his right knee.
