LOS ANGELES (AP) – Yasiel Puig is making his mark against left-handed pitching while helping the Dodgers in a major way.
The Cuban outfielder’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run first inning in a 9-3 rout of the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night, extending the Dodgers’ NL West lead to six games with 10 remaining.
“It’s nice to have that separation,” third baseman Justin Turner said, “but nothing is certain until that number is zero. The important thing is to stay hot and build some momentum as you’re rolling into the playoffs.”
Puig is doing just that against lefties. He has four home runs and two walks against them since returning from the minor leagues earlier this month. He’s started all six games in September against lefties, who have given the Dodgers fits this season.
“He’s done some things mechanically,” manager Dave Roberts said. “When he elevates the ball with his strength good thing are going to happen. He’s getting to a lot of pitches he wasn’t prior.”