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Gonzalez, Kendrick homer in Dodgers’ 9-6 win over Cardinals

Sports

July 25th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Adrian Gonzalez hit a grand slam and Howie Kendrick added a two-run homer, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers spoil Mike Mayers’ major league debut in a 9-6 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night. Scott Kazmir (9-3) pitched five innings to earn the victory. He allowed three runs on six hits.

After a rainout earlier in the week forced a doubleheader, the Cardinals decided not to start Carlos Martinez on short rest and called up Mayers, 24, from Triple-A Memphis for a spot start. St. Louis was the last team in the majors to use a pitcher not in their starting five this season. Mayers (0-1) lasted just 1 1/3 innings, throwing 62 pitches. He gave up nine runs on eight hits, including two home runs. His ERA is 60.75.

Kenley Jansen got his 29th save in 34 opportunities with a spotless ninth. The Dodgers scored six runs in a 45-pitch first inning. Mayers loaded the bases on two singles and a walk. Gonzalez crushed a fastball 427 feet to center field for his fifth career grand slam. After a double by Kendrick, Mayers struck out Yasmani Grandal and got a nice ovation from the crowd. With two outs, Joc Pederson walked and stole second. Kazmir singled up the middle for the final two runs and his first RBIs of the year.

Matt Holliday doubled home a run in the first. It was the first run scored in the first inning by St. Louis since July 3. After Los Angeles chased Mayers in the second with three more runs, Tommy Pham cut the Dodgers’ advantage to 9-3 with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning. Four St. Louis relievers combined for 7 2/3 scoreless innings. In the seventh, Los Angels failed to score despite four walks.

Dodgers reliever Adam Liberatore allowed three runs in the seventh inning. It was the first runs he’s allowed since May 20 — a span that covers 29 games. He had pitched scoreless relief in 41 of his previous 42 games this year.