The Dodgers got some help from a former Cardinal before their pivotal series against St. Louis. David Freese, who joined Los Angeles in a trade with the Pirates at the end of August, offered some insight on the Cardinals' young pitchers during the Dodgers' hitters meeting. Manny Machado homered and drove in three runs to back Clayton Kershaw, and the Dodgers beat the Cardinals 9-7 in the opener of a four-game series between playoff contenders.