Dodgers starting pitcher Mitch White throws to the plate during their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado watches his double against during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers left fielder Gavin Lux dives to try to catch a ball hit for a double by the San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado (not pictured) during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers left fielder Gavin Lux dives to try to catch a ball hit for a double by the San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado (not pictured) during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado slides into second base with a double during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Trea Turner reacts after being called out on strikes during the first inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith tags out the San Diego Padres’ Trent Grisham at home plate on a throw from right fielder Chris Taylor (not pictured) to end the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith tags out the San Diego Padres’ Trent Grisham at home plate on a throw from right fielder Chris Taylor (not pictured) to end the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith tags out the San Diego Padres’ Trent Grisham at home plate on a throw from right fielder Chris Taylor (not pictured) to end the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith shows the umpire the ball in his glove after tagging out the San Diego Padres’ Trent Grisham at home plate on a throw from right fielder Chris Taylor (not pictured) to end the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Home plate umpire Dan Iassogna makes the call as Dodgers catcher Will Smith (not pictured) tags out the San Diego Padres’ Trent Grisham (not pictured) at home plate to end the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers right fielder Chris Taylor, right, smiles with teammate Cody Bellinger after throwing out the San Diego Padres’ Trent Grisham (not pictured) at home plate to end the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar can’t reach a ball hit for a solo home run by the Dodgers’ Justin Turner (not pictured) during the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner gestures as he rounds second base after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove reacts after giving up a solo home run to the Dodgers’ Justin Turner during the second inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Mitch White throws to the plate during their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado shows his frustration after striking out during the third inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner hits a go-ahead two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner watches the flight of his tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans reach for a ball the Dodgers’ Justin Turner (not pictured) hit for a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner celebrates as he rounds second base after hitting a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner, right, is congratulated by teammate Max Muncy as he scores after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner, right, celebrates with teammate Max Muncy after hitting a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner celebrates in the dugout after hitting a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner smiles in the dugout after hitting a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner smiles in the dugout after hitting a tie-breaking two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Turner’s second home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia celebrates after the final out of the eighth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel prepares to throw a pitch during the ninth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner, right, celebraes with relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel after the final out of their 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, right, smiles toward center fielder Cody Bellinger in the dugout prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, right, smiles in the dugout prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger (35) smiles with teammate Justin Turner in the dugout prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner plays with his 16-month-old son Beckham in the dugout prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner plays with his 16-month-old son Beckham in the dugout prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Kristen Harabedian, wife of Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner (not pictured) is seen with their 16-month-old son Beckham in the dugout prior to a game between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers infielder Hanser Alberto looks on prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger high-fives shortstop Trea Turner (6) in the dugout prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner looks on during the national anthem prior to their game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
A Dodgers grounds crew member waters down the field prior to a game between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES ― On May 18, Justin Turner hit a three-run home run against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zach Davies. It was his fourth home run of the season, and it was the difference in a two-run victory.
Turner batted another 145 times going into Thursday’s game against the San Diego Padres. The seasons changed, the baseball enlivened, but the 37-year-old third baseman did not hit a home run. It was the longest he’s gone without a homer, in terms of games or plate appearances, in 11 years.
That changed in a big way Thursday night. Turner hit two home runs against Padres starter Joe Musgrove, accounting for all of the Dodgers’ runs in a 3-1 victory at Dodger Stadium.
Turner’s offensive heroics made the Dodgers’ pitching efforts stand up. Mitch White, Justin Bruihl, Evan Phillips (2-3), Alex Vesia and Craig Kimbrel combined to limit San Diego to seven hits and one run in the opener of a four-game series. The win put the Dodgers (47-28) 2½ games ahead of the Padres (46-32) in the National League West standings.
For Turner, the game was validation of a months-long effort to turn his season around.
“I was just really trying to get (Musgrove) up in the zone,” said Turner, who began the day with a .217 batting average. “I’ve been grinding through some stuff, feeling like I’ve been close to breaking out.”
Turner had three of the Dodgers’ five hits before an announced sold-out crowd of 53,094. In a predictably close game between the two best teams in their division, two swings from Turner and one play in the field made all the difference.
In the top of the first inning, a sinking fly ball off Manny Machado’s bat ricocheted off Gavin Lux’s glove in left field. Machado wound up on second base with a double.
Two batters later, Nomar Mazara lined an 0-and-2 curveball from White into center field for a single, scoring Machado with the game’s first run.
Turner went to work in the bottom of the second inning. He took advantage of a 1-and-1 fastball over the plate from Musgrove, sending it soaring over the left-center field fence. Quickly, the score was tied 1-1.
White settled in nicely after the rough first inning. He pitched out of trouble with runners in scoring position on multiple occasions over 4⅔ innings, allowing six hits and a walk while striking out three. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.93 in his sixth start of the season – his second since returning from Triple-A.
Chris Taylor made the defensive play of the game with one out in the second inning, catching a fly ball in right field and throwing a one-hopper to home plate to retire Trent Grisham attempting to tag up and score from third base. Will Smith deftly fielded the in-between hop and applied the tag on Grisham in the same motion.
It was a mirror image of a play two years ago that saw Taylor throw out Grisham from left field to end a 7-6 Dodgers win in San Diego.
“Apparently he has a knack for throwing Grisham out at the plate,” Turner said of Taylor.
In between the two big throws, Taylor had offseason surgery on his right elbow, a procedure that sapped some of the strength from his arm. While he never lost accuracy, his throws were slower and less straight until recently.
“It definitely is feeling stronger as the year’s gone on,” Taylor said.
Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw has another rough start at Coors Field in loss
Tied 1-1, the Dodgers could not mount a rally against Musgrove. Max Muncy appeared to have a double in the fourth inning, but he was tagged out at second base when he accidentally lost contact with the bag popping up at the end of his slide.
The score was still tied when Muncy worked an eight-pitch walk in the seventh inning. Turner, the next batter, saw three pitches from Musgrove and hit the last – a 90-mph cutter down the middle of the plate – 404 feet to right-center field for a home run. It was the 13th multi-homer game of his career.
Musgrove (8-2) allowed only five hits and struck out 10 batters, but was stuck with his second loss of the season.
Despite his struggles, Turner has never hit lower than sixth in the batting order this season. He hit third Wednesday in Colorado; Thursday he batted fifth. Turner said his work in the batting cage earlier in the day with Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc “pushed me over the edge.”
For a day, the other side of the edge looked promising.
