The Los Angeles Dodgers shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-0, to clinch a spot in the 2022 MLB postseason and cut their magic number to win the National League West to one.
Diamondbacks rookie Ryne Nelson turned in another impressive start as he held the Dodgers to two hits over six scoreless innings. Nelson didn’t allow a hit until Trayce Thompson’s one-out single in the third inning. Trea Turner’s triple with two outs in the sixth inning extended his hitting streak to 10 games and gave the Dodgers their first baserunner in scoring position.
Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked, but Nelson worked out of the jam by retiring Will Smith to keep the game scoreless.
The Dodgers found immediate success upon the Diamondbacks going to their bullpen, as they loaded the bases with nobody out. A second pitching change didn’t slow their momentum, with Trayce Thompson’s sacrifice fly giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.
Mookie can play anywhere. pic.twitter.com/jo3QC2zKsK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 13, 2022
A three-spot in the seventh! pic.twitter.com/B8FIp57BIU
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 13, 2022
A career-high 34 homers for Mookie! pic.twitter.com/wottbYLlFw
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 13, 2022
Cody Bellinger followed that by attacking the first pitch he saw for a two-run double. Bellinger has produced back-to-back multi-hit games for the first time since June 17-18.
Mookie Betts provided more insurance in the ninth inning with a three-run home run. That gave Betts 34 home runs this season, each of which have come out of the leadoff spot in the Dodgers lineup. Betts broke Joc Pederson’s Dodgers franchise record for most home runs in a single season when batting lead off.
Betts also dazzled at second base by getting to a slow grounder and making a glove toss to Freddie Freeman for the out.
Dodgers in position to clinch NL West
The Dodgers can win the NL West for a ninth time in the past 10 seasons with a win on Tuesday, or a San Diego Padres loss. Both teams begin their games with a 6:40 p.m. PT start time.
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