Power and 'pen. It’s been the formula for the best record in baseball, and the Dodgers stuck with it in Saturday’s 7-4 win over the Rangers at cavernous Globe Life Field in Arlington.\n\nDespite the unfriendly dimensions for hitters,
“We just stayed aggressive with him, and it didn’t work out the first few innings, but we stuck with our plan,” said Bellinger, whose two-run homer in the third inning was followed four innings later by Muncy’s three-run blast. Bellinger also walked twice.
Manager Dave Roberts complimented Lynn, whose pitch count ran up to 110 just to get through six innings in his first loss and worst start of the year.\n\n“He’s a tough one, especially versus \\[right-handed hitters\\],” said Roberts. “AJ \\[Pollock\\] got us on the board early \\[with an RBI double\\], which was big, on a two-seamer in. That fastball, the characteristics are tough, the rise ball. Cody took a great swing on one, then we did some manufacturing. Muncy just missed a three-run homer earlier as well. I just thought, collectively, we had a really good game plan and I was impressed with Cody. He controlled the strike zone really well.”
If the Dodgers are interested in adding a veteran innings-eater like Lynn, it’s because starters in 12 of their last 21 games have pitched fewer than five innings, leaving the bullpen with much work to do. Two of the bullpen’s six losses have come in the last five games.\n\n“Clayton \\[Kershaw\\] goes six \\[innings\\] almost every time, but the rest of us are not pulling our weight,” said starter
Despite the current lack of rotation experience, Roberts said he feels as confident in his roster as he ever has approaching the Trade Deadline.\n\n“I’ve always really liked our clubs and felt we didn’t have any weaknesses as I feel this year,” Roberts said. “I feel confident in the front office that, if there’s something on the board, we’ll do that. If not, we are completely OK with standing pat. I think we’re in a good place as far as the organization, the way our guys are playing on the field as well.”\n\n• With Justin Turner out, Dodgers call up Gavin Lux\n\nAfter a bullpen loss on Friday night, relievers