Kuroda Loses Fourth on the Season/ Miyama Scores Two Assists in Win Against Red Stars

On June 23, the Dodgers faced the Chicago White Sox. Hiroki Kuroda was given the start, his sixth on the season.

After losing his last three starts after coming off the DL, Kuroda used his two-seam fastball, which he tweaked the grip, as his main weapon. He struck out a season high nine batters and also got a season-high 12 ground outs.

Kuroda was removed after pitching 8.2 innings, getting his first win since Opening Day.

On the 28th, Kuroda pitched the Seattle Mariners. His face off with Ichiro was met with high expectations.

In the first at bat, Ichiro hit a soft liner to short, giving the victory to Kuroda. Kuroda got the next two hitters, finishing off an easy first inning.

However, in the third, the second match up between Ichiro and Kuroda. Ichiro hit a ground ball to second, which he ran out for an infield single. Subsequently, Kuroda lost his rhythm, giving up consecutive hits to Russell Branyan and Adrian Beltre. Ichiro scored on Beltre’s single to give the Mariners a one run lead.

Looking to stop the bleeding, Kuroda however served up a two run double to Jose Lopez, putting the Dodgers in a four run deficit.

Kuroda regained his groove after the inning, but the damage had already been done. Without any offensive support, the Dodgers eventually lost 4 to 2.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sol faced the Chicago Red Stars in a revenge match after finishing up with a tie the previous match.

It was the Sol’s day, as captain Shannon Boxx scored the first goal at the 15 minute mark, quickly followed by a goal by league-leading Camille Abily, assisted by Miyama.

Miyama also got another assist with a pass to Marta for the Sol’s third goal of the game.

The Sol won 4-0.

The Sol now lead the standings with 34 points.

Their next and final home game will be on July 8 from 12pm.