The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities and Arizona Diamondbacks managed to do just enough against Brusdar Graterol in the ninth inning to come away with a 2-1 win and series split at Dodger Stadium.
Syndergaard’s Dodgers debut began with two strikeouts and seven consecutive strikes. He couldn’t complete the immaculate inning but finding the strike zone was indicative of his day ahead.
Syndergaard’s fastball velocity again sat around 93-94 mph but it was paired with an effective changeup and good tempo.
Will Smith spotted him a 1-0 lead behind a solo home run in the first inning, and Syndergaard protected it until some of his career troubles surfaced in the fifth inning.
Corbin Carroll led off with a single and stole second and third base on consecutive pitches when there were two outs. Syndergaard has always struggled holding baserunners and it was a particular point of weakness last season.
“I think this team, more so than any team in baseball, is more apt to try and steal bases,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the Diamondbacks prior to the game.
“So the first part is execute, make pitches, and for us to play good defense behind him. If there are baserunners, then certainly try to vary the looks and times and manage it.”
Smith was unable to get a throw off in either of Carroll’s stolen bases. Geraldo Perdomo cashed in Carroll’s speed and aggressiveness with a game-tying RBI double.
That was the lone run Syndergaard allowed over his six-plus innings pitched. Caleb Ferguson stranded the inherited runner. The outing provided the type of length Roberts said the Dodgers sought from Syndergaard.
The Dodgers left a combined three runners on base in the seventh and eighth innings, which came back to cost them.
Mookie Betts initially prevented the Diamondbacks from taking a lead, but Brusdar Graterol’s struggles against left-handers ultimately did him in on an RBI bunt single.
L.A. went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base.
On deck for Dodgers
The Dodgers continue with National League West matchups as they begin a two-game series with the Colorado Rockies on Monday. Following an off day Wednesday, L.A. faces the Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants during their road trip.
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