By Sam Bush
Mookie Betts had three hits, including a two-run homer, and the Los Angeles Dodgers went deep four times in a 13-4 victory over the Phillies.
The Phillies dropped their second straight but received good news before the game when slugger Bryce Harper was cleared to return less than six months after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Harper is expected to be activated off the injured list Tuesday.
Kyle Schwarber hit a solo shot in the fourth inning and Nick Castellanos had two hits, including a two-run single in the fifth.
Will Smith’s two-out drive to left-center off Taijuan Walker (2-2) started the Dodgers’ hit parade. After James Outman and Michael Vargas walked to start the second, Peralta followed with a three-run homer to right to extend the lead to 4-0. Heyward hit a solo shot to center in the third.
Betts connected for a two-run homer in the seventh to make it 11-4.
Victor Gonzalez (1-0), the third of four Dodgers pitchers, allowed one hit in 1 1/3 innings.
Walker allowed three homers in a game for the 11th time in 169 career starts and the first time since Sept. 11, 2021. But he also walked three batters. It marked the first time he has ever given up that many homers and walks in a game.
“Today was really bad,” Walker said.
“The team’s been playing really well. I feel like we’ve started clicking. Just today wasn’t a good day for me. I’ve got to be better. The last two starts weren’t very good. I’ve just got to be better.”
