The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t have the same offensive firepower as displayed the previous game but nonetheless rallied late to earn a 7-4 victory and series win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sunday’s finale at Dodger Stadium.
After being limited to one run through the first seven innings, L.A. finally got to Arizona’s bullpen with three runs in the eighth to tie the score. Max Muncy then provided the heroics with a walk-off, three-run homer in the ninth.
“It felt pretty good. It was a good feeling,” Muncy said. “It’s nice to end the first half on a good note. Have a little momentum going into the break, let the boys have a happy break and come back ready to go.”
The bottom of the ninth inning began with a leadoff single from Albert Pujols. He was pinch-run for by Zach Reks, who eventually advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Zach McKinstry. The Diamondbacks then decided to intentionally walk Mookie Betts to put two on with one out for Muncy.
“No, not entirely,” Muncy answered when asked if he was surprised by the Diamondbacks intentionally walking Betts to face him. “A 3-1 count to Mookie, you don’t want to give up a meatball.
“The guy has good sink and a good changeup, so you could set up a double play. It was a logical move. Thankfully I made them pay for it, but it was a logical move to do.”
Muncy revealed that his approach during his at-bat was to elevate the ball and avoid potentially grounding into an inning-ending double play.
“Just trying to get a ball up in the zone, trying not to chase anything down and just trying to get the ball in the air, really,” he said. “Keep it off the ground and stay out of a double play.”
Roberts expected Diamondbacks to pitch around Betts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts understood the Diamondbacks’ logic in not wanting Betts to beat them but was a little surprised they opted for an intentional walk. “I know obviously they had their reasons,” Roberts began.
“I thought they would pitch around him essentially, not give him the free pass to get to our hottest hitter. I’m glad it worked out for us.”
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