Dodgers pummel Marlins in series-opening blowout

Marlins Park turned into the site of a Home Run Derby at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the National League West leaders smacked six homers en route to a dominating 15-1 victory over the Marlins Tuesday night in Miami. Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, Matt Beaty and Will Smith all launched long balls for the Dodgers, who became the first team in the National League to reach 80 victories this season.

Jordan Yamamoto, seeking his first victory since July 16, gave up two of the dingers in his five innings and a total of four runs. Originally slated as a Clayton Kershaw start, manager Dave Roberts instead turned the ball over to Dustin May, as the right-hander notched his first professional victory in three attempts, coughing up one run in 5 ²⁄₃ innings of mound work.

Miami’s lone run came in the home half of the fourth inning when Brian Anderson doubled home Jon Berti, trimming the Dodger lead to 4-1. Berti opened the inning with a walk.

Smith, the Dodgers’rookie catcher, recorded his second homer of the night in the sixth against Wei-Yin Chen. In two innings of work, Chen surrendered six earned runs, allowing three homers. Los Angeles continued pouring it on when Beaty tripled home three runners in the ninth off Jeff Brigham.

For the first time this season, the Marlins turned to a position player to pitch. Backup catcher Bryan Holaday recorded the final out on just one pitch, getting Russell Martin on a force out with the bases full.

Martin would have the last laugh, however, as he would have his own turn on the mound to finish the game. After giving up one hit to Garrett Cooper, Martin would get Harold Ramirez to ground into a game-ending double play.

The Marlins’ 15-1 defeat was the first time Miami fell by 10 or more runs since a June 14 contest vs. Pittsburgh (11-0).

Hoping to rapidly turn the page, Miami will send right-hander Elieser Hernandez to the bump Wednesday night. Hernandez turned in his most impressive outing as a Marlin his last appearance, dialing in six shutout frames with seven strikeouts vs. Atlanta on August 8. Left-hander Clayton Kershaw will get the ball for Los Angeles, making his second start this season against Miami. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET.

Dodgers vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key:

1. May
2. Over
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4. No
5. Dodgers