Yasmani Grandal is the unsung hero in Dodgers’ win over Angels

Clayton Kershaw’s eight-inning shutout performance was the story of the afternoon on Saturday, but Yasmani Grandal was pretty good too.

Grandal’s two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning was the added cushion the Dodgers needed to defeat the Angels by a score of 3-1.

“He’s getting big hits, he’s swinging the bat right-handed,” manager Don Mattingly said. “I think he continues to grow with our staff as far as knowing him better and understanding what we’re trying to do with our game planning.”

Grandal finished three for four to raise his batting average to .292. Since catcher A.J. Ellis went on the disabled list on July 20, Grandal has been on a tear, hitting .321 overall and five for seven against left-handers.

Still, Grandal’s priority is making sure he fulfills his catching duties before he worries about how he’s doing at the plate.

“For me, it’s one of those things where catching comes first and my pitching staff comes first,” Grandal said. “If they’re going good, then I’m going good, no matter whether I’m hitting or not. Obviously, hitting and contributing to the team offensively is always a plus.”

As for whether he gave any thought to Kershaw’s dominant showing during the game, Grandal realizes he was lucky to have some experience catching for an unhittable ace.

“When Zack [Greinke] had the streak going, you didn’t even think about it,” Grandal said. “You just kept on doing whatever it is you were doing. You never tried to change anything, pitching to his strengths. Now that Kersh has another streak going, it’s the same thing.”