Sol Victorious Against Saint Louis Athletica/ Kuroda’s Return from the DL

On May 30, the Los Angeles Sol played against the Saint Louis Athletica at the Home Depot Center.

The Sol started the game aggressively, attacking Hope Solo of the Athletica with shots from all over the field. Aya Miyama took her chance at the 19 minute mark with a midrange shot from the right side of the penalty box. A nice save by Solo prevented the Sol goal. The Sol later had another opportunity with a corner kick from Miyama, landing right in front of the goal, but the ball was cleared before the Sol players could get a clean shot.

In the 35th minute, Sol captain Shannon Boxx lobbed a pass, which Camille Abily was able to trap and shoot for her third goal of the season.

The Sol attack continued into the second half. 5 minutes into the half, Shannon Boxx scored her first goal of the season.

The Sol defeated the Athletica, 2-0, leaving them at the top of the standings once again.



Meanwhile, Hiroki Kuroda returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 1 in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Kuroda had been on the DL for 56 days. He threw two rehab starts with the minor league club. His last outing though was very disappointing, giving up seven runs in five innings to single A batters. Nonetheless, he came off the DL and was given the start on Monday.

Although he said he was nervous, Kuroda was able to pitch a 1-2-3 inning in the first.

The second inning however was not as easy. The Diamondbacks started with a double, and although Kuroda was able to pick off the runner at second, he subsequently gave up two walks to the next two batters. Josh Whitesell, the number eight hitter for the Diamondbacks, then came through with a two run double, giving Arizona a 2-0 lead.

Except for this second inning, Kuroda’s day was overall very good. Using his slider and fastball, he struck out a total of six batters.

Kuoroda finished his day after completing five innings.

The Dodgers eventually lost the game, 2-3, but the day was one of hope for Kuroda and the Dodgers.