|
 In fact, the National League Cy Young Award favorite had his worst
start of the season on the mound.
But as he struggled with his pitching, he made up for it at the
plate, going 3-for-3 with a home run and three runs scored to help
the Los Angeles Dodgers outslug the Philadelphia Phillies 10-8.
"He can swing the bat, that's for sure," Dodgers manager Don
Mattingly said.
Greinke (11-2), who entered with a major league-best 1.41 ERA
surrendered a season-high six runs, five of which came in the first
inning.
However, the National League West-leading Dodgers (62-46) took care
of the right-hander by countering with 15 hits and a surplus of
support to improve to a season-best 16 games above .500.
"Today, I was really mad after that first inning, so more motivation
to try and get some hits," Greinke said.
"Usually, I just try to focus on pitching, but we were down by some
runs, so I needed to put some good at-bats out there today."
Los Angeles scored three runs in the first inning, that Philadelphia
countered in the bottom with five runs before Greinke could get an
out.
First baseman Ryan Howard knocked in two with a bases-loaded single
before a three-run homer by right fielder Domonic Brown handed the
Phillies a 5-3 advantage.
The scoring had started with a bunt single by second baseman Cesar
Hernandez on which Greinke air-mailed a throw to first base that
left him visibly frustrated.
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"I know I was upset about it," Greinke said. "I should have gotten
over it quicker, but I should have made that play."
As Greinke struggled, Los Angeles battered Philadelphia starter
David Buchanan (2-6), scoring three more runs in the second on a
homer by first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Greinke then helped his cause in the third inning with a solo homer
to left-center field that boosted the Dodgers' lead to 7-5.
The right-hander gave back the run in the bottom of the third but
found a groove the rest of the way to finish six innings with eight
strikeouts.
"I always feel like you can't lose in the first inning, you've got
to just keep them there," Greinke said.
"The game's not over by any means no matter what, but if you keep
letting them score, then the game's over."
(Compiled by Greg Stutchbury)
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