Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers had their five-game winning streak against the Milwaukee Brewers snapped with a 5-3 loss in 11 innings at American Family Field.
Ryan Pepiot made his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and allowed a two-run homer to Willy Adames in the first inning before settling down.
Pepiot did not give up another run until the bottom of the fifth, when Christian Yelich put the Brewers back on top with a solo shot.
Despite failing to make it through the fifth inning, Pepiot believed there was some improvement in his outing, as seen on SportsNet LA
“I definitely competed with what I had. I thought I did a better job of getting ahead of guys and eliminating non-competitive throws.”
Pepiot’s final line was 4.2 innings pitched, three hits and three runs allowed, and six strikeouts against five walks. The 24-year-old has yielded at least three walks in each of his first six MLB starts, which remains a source of frustration:
“Too many walks. Too many free passes and getting behind too many guys. But I think there’s a lot of positives. Each time I’ve gone out there, I’ve taken little steps. But at the end of the day I still have a job to do, and it’s give our team the best chance to win. That’s what I’m focused on.”
Pepiot is 1-0 with a 4.26 ERA, 5.99 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in 25.1 innings at the MLB level this season. He has posted a much better 8-0 record, 2.27 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 93 strikeouts against 32 walks in 15 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City (13 starts).
Pepiot replacing Kershaw in Dodgers rotation
With Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list due to lower back pain, Pepiot has taken his spot in the Dodgers rotation for the time being.
The left-hander received an epidural on Aug. 5 and it’s provided relief that’s allowed him to recover well thus far.
Kershaw threw a baseball a handful of times at light intensity last week and continued with the throwing program at Kauffman Stadium and his home in Dallas as he works toward a return.
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