Kuroda Pitches Six Strong for No Decision/ Sol Leading the Pack at Midseason

On June 6, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the World Champion Phillies.
After getting his first start since coming back from the DL on June 1, this was only Kuroda’s third start of the season.

Kuroda pitched very well from the get-go, keeping the vaunted Phillies lineup hitless for four innings.

Andre Ethier answered the call on the offensive side. In the bottom of the inning, Ethier hit a solo home run, giving Kuroda a one point lead.

After giving up his first hit in the fourth, Kuroda struck out the next two batters, showing ample life on his pitches.

Kuroda faced his only threat of the day during the sixth inning. He surrendered his second hit of the day, followed that up with a walk, making for a first and third, two out situation. Coming to bat was Ryan Howard, the man who hit 48 home runs last season. Kuroda threw a 93 mph fastball up high, striking out Howard, and putting an exclamation point to a wonderful outing.


Kuroda left the game completing six full innings, giving up only two hits and no runs. Unfortunately, the bullpen was unable to hold the lead for Kuroda.


On the other side of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Sol played against the Chicago Red Stars on June 3. With barely any time left, the Sol were able to finally break through, tying the game with Camille Abily’s goal. The game ended at a score of 1-1. The Sol finished the first half of the season with a hefty lead in the standings.