The Los Angeles Dodgers saw Clayton Kershaw leave in the second inning because of a bone spur in his left big toe, but their bullpen turned in a valiant effort and the offense did just enough to earn a 10-9 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Back in the lineup after missing the entire series against the Baltimore Orioles, Freddie Freeman immediately made his presence felt with a two-run homer in the first inning. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, their lead was short-lived as the Diamondbacks responded with two runs in the bottom of the first.
The scoring continued in the second inning as Miguel Rojas hit an RBI single, and Mookie Betts and Freeman each drove in a run with a productive out.
Freddie Freeman bringing the heat early.
(🎥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/lO3TggZ3iK— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 31, 2024
Miggy Ro, professional hitter.
(🎥: @SportsNetLA) pic.twitter.com/lIbab12sPa— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 31, 2024
The Diamondbacks cut into their deficit in the bottom of the second and tied the game in the third inning. It remained knotted until Max Muncy doubled in the sixth and later scored on a wild pitch.
Hitting to score runs is overrated.
(🎥: @Dodgers) pic.twitter.com/6TykHuqqSQ— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 31, 2024
The #Dodgers needed this homer, but Will Smith needed it more.
(🎥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/5srioIHpQ5— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 31, 2024
If you watch this video, you've just witnessed MLB history. The first 43-43 season ever.
(🎥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/go9YFE0bh7— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 31, 2024
Will Smith then delivered what appeared to be a knockout punch with his three-run homer in the seventh inning. Shohei Ohtani added a solo shot in the eighth that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 10-5 and proved to be the difference as Anthony Banda allowed four runs in the bottom of the ninth.
Ohtani also became the first player in MLB history with 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases in the same season.
Dodgers standings update
With their win, the Dodgers moved five games ahead of the Diamondbacks for first place in the National League West. Thus, regardless of what unfolds over the next three contests at Chase Field, the Dodgers are guaranteed to leave Arizona still atop the division.
However, they need two more wins to clinch the season series and therefore own a tiebreaker over the Diamondbacks.
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