June 16, 2017

Alex Wood was dominant  in eight spectacular innings on Friday night, improving to 7-0, as the Dodgers defeated the Reds 3-1 at Great American Ball Park.

Wood gave up just one right on four hits, while striking out five batters during an efficient 89-pitch performance.

Wood is the first Dodgers’ pitcher to get so deep into a season without a loss since 1985, when Orel Hershiser made his first 11 starts without a loss.  He has been using a fastball, breaking ball, and change up to get hitters out.

“That’s always the way I’ve pitched,” Wood said. “I like to try to attack. But all three pitches have been as sharp together as they’ve ever been.”

The Reds only run came on a solo homer from Devin Mesoraco in the 8th inning, ending Wood’s shutout bid.

Kenley Jansen came in for the 9th inning to record his 14th save, despite giving up a double.

Joc Pederson hit a solo homer off of Tim Adleman (4-3), who took the loss.  That gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.  Adeleman gave up two runs in six innings of work.

Chris Taylor had an RBI double, and Wood added a run-scoring single in the 8th, as the Dodgers won for the seventh time in the last eight games.

Justin Turner also singled twice, extending his hit streak to twelve games.

Game 2 of the series will be Saturday afternoon at Great American Park.  Hyun-Jin Ryu (2-6; 4.42 ERA) will be on the mound for LA.  Asher Wojciechowski (1-0, 5.21 ERA) gets the ball for the Reds.