LOS ANGELES — Rookie Yasiel Puig hit his first career grand slam, Zack Greinke pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Atlanta 5-0 on Thursday night, snapping the Braves’ five-game winning streak.
Clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Dodgers loaded the bases in the eighth after Cory Gearrin gave up one-out singles to Skip Schumaker and Luis Cruz, and then walked pinch-hitter Hanley Ramirez.
That set the stage for Puig, who had fans on their feet and clapping in expectation of more exploits from the 22-year-old Cuban defector. He was 5 for 8 with two homers and five RBIs in his first two games this week before going 0 for 4 on Wednesday.
Puig homered on the first pitch into the right field pavilion, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 5-0. He took his fourth curtain call of the week from the top of the dugout steps, raising both arms to acknowledge the cheers.