Dustin May last tossed seven full innings in a start back in his first outing of the 2023 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was a feat he wouldn’t accomplish for another 825 days, as he turned in his best start of the season against the Chicago White Sox.
May carried a perfect game into the sixth inning on Thursday, with his efforts ultimately leading the Dodgers to their second three game sweep in their past nine games. The usually erratic May didn’t surrender a walk until the top of the seventh inning, and his nine strikeouts on the night matched a season-high.
It’s the third straight game that Dodgers’ starters have gone six or more innings, a streak that has been foreign for the majority of the season. Dustin May has been the guy in the rotation to consistently eat innings despite the performance, with Dave Roberts recognizing his efforts in limiting the amount of stress on the bullpen, per Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register.
“I think right now, being able to give us a length, go deep in games, he’s probably been our most dependable guy in that sense,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “And taking some workload off the (bullpen), kind of stabilizing the rotation, he’s been fantastic. And he just looks comfortable out there, managing his emotions and I feel good every time he takes a mound.”
Links
Kiké Hernández has been the most vocal Dodger in raising awareness for the ongoing deportations across the country, and the fanbase recognized his advocacy with a mural on the NoHo Tires & Wheels building in North Hollywood.
Chuck Schilken of the Los Angeles Times delves into the story behind Hernández’s mural.
Former Dodger Austin Barnes shared his thoughts on his former longtime battery mate Clayton Kershaw recording his 3,000th career strikeout, per Sam Blum of The Athletic.
“I always took pride when I caught him… Obviously, (this milestone) means more to me because of how close I am with Kersh. But he did that. I think he’s one of the greatest pitchers of all time.”