Dodgers hold off Giants to snap 11-game losing streak
Los Angeles Dodgers fans can breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
Backed by ace Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers put an end to their worst stretch since moving from Brooklyn, snapping an 11-game losing streak by defeating the San Francisco Giants 5-3 in a nail-biter Tuesday.
The Dodgers had lost 16 of 17 contests as their lead atop the National League was trimmed to only 3 1/2 games over the Washington Nationals. Amazingly, their 93 wins still lead baseball.
Though Kershaw wasn't his usual dominant self, he pitched well enough to earn the win, pacing the Dodgers throughout the game. Despite allowing eight hits, Kershaw threw six solid innings, striking out six batters, and allowing only one earned run.
Offensively, the Dodgers got clutch contributions from Yasiel Puig (two RBIs on a pair of doubles), Chase Utley (solo home run, his eighth of the season), and late insurance from Justin Turner (RBI double).
Kenley Jansen shut the door by recording a four-out save, only his third since Aug. 25.
Had the outcome been different, the Dodgers would have tied the 1925 Brooklyn team that lost 12 straight. The longest losing streak in history - 16 games - belongs to the 1944 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Yu Darvish will take on Matt Moore in Wednesday's finale. The Dodgers will then travel to Washington for a crucial and highly anticipated three-game series.