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James Loney hit his first career pinch-hit home run.
Hiroki Kuroda looks to get back on track Friday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers lost the opener of the series on Thursday night 6-2, and the Dodgers have lost four of their last five contests. Jeff Locke gets the start for Pittsburgh.
Kuroda had an MRI on his neck earlier in the week, but it revealed no serious injury. He has allowed eight runs, including five doubles and four home runs, in his last two starts. He will pitch the remainder of the season, even though the Dodgers are one loss or Atlanta Braves win away from elimination, telling Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, "You never know about the future."
The Dodgers were officially eliminated from the National League West with Thursday's loss.
It has been an unlucky season for Kuroda, who has pitched well all season, with a 3.25 ERA, 3.78 FIP, and 3.61 xFIP. But he has an 11-16 record to show for it, and is the first Dodgers pitcher to lose 16 games in a season since Orel Hershiser in 1987.
Friday night's 7:10 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more Dodgers news and information, be sure to read True Blue LA.
Dodgers Vs. Pirates: Hiroki Kuroda, James Loney Lift L.A. To 7-2 Win
Hiroki Kuroda shook off a pair of bad starts and a lingering neck problem to pitch six strong innings Friday night, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Kuroda allowed two runs in six innings, striking out seven, picking up his career-high 12th win.
The Dodgers broke open a 3-2 lead with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases, and a force play ground ball by Dee Gordon brought home the first run of the inning. James Loney followed with a three-run home run off the top of the right field wall, the first career pinch-hit home run for Loney.
Gordon had two singles, two stolen bases, and two runs scored on the night. The rookie shortstop is hitting .348/.358/.424 with 11 runs scored, nine stolen bases, and seven multi-hit contests in 15 games this month since returning from the disabled list.
Ted Lilly starts Saturday night for the Dodgers, facing former Dodger James McDonald.
For more Dodgers news and information, be sure to read True Blue LA.
Sep 16 10:55p by Eric Stephen