Crawford Back With 2-Run Double as Giants Blank Dodgers
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Brandon Crawford doubled home two runs in his first at-bat after coming back from a left oblique strain and the majors-leading San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 on Thursday in the rubber match of a three-game series.
Wilmer Flores, Austin Slater and LaMonte Wade Jr. also drove in runs for San Francisco, which extended its NL West lead over Los Angeles to three games. The Dodgers were shut out for just the third time this season.
Johnny Cueto (7-4) earned his first win since June 25. He struck out five over 5 2/3 innings, while walking two and allowing four hits.
Relievers Jarlin Garcia, Dominic Leone, Tyler Rogers and Jake McGee combined for 3 1/3 perfect innings with six strikeouts to close the Giants' 12th shutout.
San Francisco jumped on David Price for four runs (three earned) in 4 1/3 innings. He is 0-3 in his career against the Giants.
Crawford, who missed nine games while on the 10-day injured list, put the Giants up with his double to left in the first. Flores added an RBI double in the second and Slater singled home a run in the fourth.
The Dodgers were down 4-0 when they loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth inning, but lefty García struck out Cody Bellinger on three pitches to end the threat.
Wade tacked on an insurance run for the Giants with an RBI double in the seventh, his first career hit off a left-handed pitcher. He was previously 0 for 31.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Dodgers: SS Corey Seager, out since May 15 with a fractured right hand, is expected to return this weekend. "What day sort of depends on the training staff, but I do see him activated this weekend," manager Dave Roberts said. ... Roberts also anticipates OF Mookie Betts (right hip inflammation) will come off the injured list Sunday when he's eligible to return.
Giants: C Buster Posey missed the game after taking a foul ball off his mask Wednesday night, but manager Gabe Kapler said he did not have a concussion and was even a possibility to pinch-hit. ... Crawford was activated from the 10-day IL earlier Thursday. ... RHP Aaron Sanchez (right bicep tightness) was reinstated from the 60-day IL. To make room on the roster, San Francisco optioned RHP John Brebbia to Triple-A Sacramento and designated OF Mike Tauchman for assignment.
UP NEXT
Giants: RHP Kevin Gausman (9-4, 2.21) looks for his first win since July 11 in the opener of a three-game home series against Houston.
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