While the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bats remained quiet for most of the night, they came alive late to earn a 3-2 walk-off victory in 10 innings over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Zac Gallen gave up a leadoff hit to Mookie Betts but was brilliant after that, pitching a scoreless game into the eighth inning. The Dodgers found themselves trailing 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, but with Arizona trading closer Archie Bradley at the deadline, they brought in Kevin Ginkel for the save.
That decision didn’t work out well as Betts came up with the Dodgers’ first hit since his in the first inning, a game-tying home run to send the game to extras. Betts has been everything the Dodgers could have hoped for this season, now up to a team-leading 12 home runs.
After Kenley Jansen gave up a run in the top of the 10th, the Dodgers against found themselves chasing a run in their last at-bats. Due to the new extra innings rule, they started the frame with a runner on second base.
Chris Taylor led off and dropped down a bunt to move the runner over. Diamondbacks reliever Junior Guerra tried to get the out at third, but he threw the ball away to allow Max Muncy to come around to score the tying run.
After Joc Pederson moved Taylor over to third for the first out of the inning, the stage was set for Will Smith. Knowing he just needed a fly ball to end it, Smith was able to do exactly that, hitting walk-off single.
Buehler turns in strong outing in return from IL
Walker Buehler was back on the mound after missing his last start due to a blister. He looked as good as ever in his return, tossing five shutout innings while allowing just two hits with six strikeouts and one walk.
With the Dodgers not wanting his blister to flare up again, they were extra cautious and removed Buehler after only 71 pitches. Buehler admitted he would have liked to continue pitching but understood the decision Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
