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Mets outhit Dodgers, 15-3, in easy win

Catcher Johnny Monell and relief pitcher Logan Verrett celebrate the Mets' 8-0 victory over the Dodgers.

Catcher Johnny Monell and relief pitcher Logan Verrett celebrate the Mets’ 8-0 victory over the Dodgers.

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
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NEW YORK 8, DODGERS 0

KEY MOMENT: In the first inning, Yasiel Puig came to bat with two on and two out. He grounded out, and the Dodgers got only one runner into scoring position against starter Steven Matz the rest of the way. Puig is batting .143 with runners in scoring position this season (35 at-bats) and .342 with the bases empty (73 at-bats.) Puig recently missed four starts because of a calloused right hand; he is batting .160 (four for 25) with 11 strikeouts since returning to the starting lineup.

AT THE PLATE: Joc Pederson, dropped to seventh in the batting order against the left-handed Matz, did not get the ball out of the infield in three at-bats. Pederson is batting .235 with a .914 OPS against right-handers, .228 with a .727 OPS, and 25 strikeouts in 57 at-bats, against left-handers. Pederson has 20 home runs, tied for fifth in the National League, but is batting .198 since June 1.

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ON THE MOUND: Mike Bolsinger (4-3) needed a season-high 101 pitches in his five innings, the fourth time in five starts he has failed to last longer than five innings. Bolsinger gave up four runs, nine hits and two walks. He had an earned-run average of 1.15 in his first five starts this season; his ERA is 4.79 in the seven starts since then. Matz, making his second major league start, held the Dodgers to two hits over six innings, striking out eight and featuring a 95-mph fastball. He also drove in a run, giving him five runs batted in, or one more than injured teammate David Wright had in 33 at-bats.

ROSTER MOVES: The Dodgers put starting pitcher Carlos Frias on the disabled list and recalled reliever Daniel Coulombe from triple-A Oklahoma City, although Coulombe could return there Monday. Manager Don Mattingly said the Dodgers would call up left-hander Eric Surkamp, who was scratched from his triple-A start Sunday and could take Frias’ turn Monday. Frias said he has been hampered by lower-back tightness for his last three starts. Although tests ruled out structural damage, Frias said doctors warned him he could injure his arm if he continued to pitch, since he could alter his mechanics.

EXTRA BASES: The Dodgers listed first baseman Adrian Gonzalez as day to day because of a bruised right hand. Gonzalez was hit on the hand by a pitch in the first inning and left in the fourth, before his next at-bat. … The Dodgers became the first major league team to pass 2 million in attendance this season. They are on pace to sell 3.77-million tickets and lead the majors in attendance for the third consecutive season. … Mattingly said the NL has incredible parity “other than the Giants beating us.” The Dodgers are 3-9 against San Francisco this season.

UP NEXT: Surkamp (4-2, 4.50 ERA at triple A) probably will start and face Sean O’Sullivan (1-6, 5.76) and the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday at 7 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.

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