Matt Kemp came through with a home run in the 8th inning to propel the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of the NLDS.
It seems like it wasn’t that long ago that we were talking about Matt Kemp as a big, ugly, awkward problem on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster. Now he is the hero of Game 2 of the NLDS, delivering the winning home run as the Dodgers defeated the Cardinals 3-2 to even their series at one game each.
More from Los Angeles Dodgers
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
- After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
- This White Sox-Dodgers trade for bullpen help could lead to LA reunion
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
With the score tied at 2-2, Kemp blasted a pitch from Pat Neshek down the left field line. For a guy who has gone through as much adversity as Kemp has, this had to feel sweet, especially in front of the home crowd.
The line drive hooked, Kemp yelled “Go fair ball!”, and it landed in the seats to allow the Dodgers to regain the lead.
The operate word there is that they “regained” the lead because the Dodgers blew a 2-0 lead the inning prior. Zack Greinke started for L.A. and delivered an absolute gem, going 7.0 innings while allowing no earned runs and striking out seven. That outing was spoiled, however, by a two-run home run off the bat of Matt Carpenter, who continues to wear out the Dodgers.
The Dodgers took their initial lead by scrapping together a rally in the third inning. Dee Gordon drove in a run on a grounder and Adrian Gonzalez singled a run home.
Cardinals’ starter Lance Lynn was also stingy in this one, going 6.0 innings and striking out eight hitters. He allowed just the two earned runs.
Ultimately the story of this game is Kemp. As the Dodgers charged to the 2014 postseason, Kemp’s resurgence was unexpected and gave his team a huge lift. He might not be the MVP-caliber player that he once was, but even if the Dodgers get 70% of that player it will be a big boost.
Kemp showed why on Saturday night, and now this series is headed to St. Louis all tied up.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26