Kyle Tucker hits grand slam, Dodgers nearing postseason berth clinch

With the bases loaded in the seventh, the Marlins turned to lefty Cade Gibson, replacing Victor Vodnik, to face the left-handed-hitting Tucker. The outfielder saw two pitches before turning on a 79.5 mph sweeper up and in for his 14th home run of the season. He sent the grand slam a Statcast-projected 395 feet to right-center field, with the ball coming off his bat with an exit velocity of 103.8 mph.

Tucker first put the Dodgers on the board with a sacrifice fly to left in the top of the third with Tommy Edman — who drew a walk to lead off the inning — crossing home plate. The outfielder went 3-for-3 with five RBIs.

In the top of the sixth, Tucker hit his fourth triple of the season, sending a 80 mph sweeper from starter Ryan Gusto to right. Will Smith then singled to right field, allowing Tucker to score, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.

With the victory, the Dodgers (90-57) could clinch a postseason berth as early as Saturday, depending on results for the Diamondbacks and the Padres.

Starting pitcher Blake Snell threw 5 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts, while giving up only one run on four hits and two walks.

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