The Dodgers have demonstrated something interesting in their first three games of the season.
They seem quite adept at overcoming early setbacks.
In their latest match against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers found themselves down by two runs right from the start.
However, for three nights in a row, they showed resilience with strong pitching and crucial hits, culminating in Will Smith’s pivotal two-run homer in the eighth inning, sealing a 3-2 win.
Interestingly, Smith’s home run coincided with his 31st birthday and a bobblehead giveaway celebrating his World Series-winning hit last year.
Throughout the game, it felt a bit uncertain whether the Dodgers would find their rhythm late, but their lineup, filled with talent, once again saved the best for last.
Tyler Glasnow made a strong season debut, letting in just two runs over six innings, while striking out six and retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he faced. Yet, Arizona’s lefty Eduardo Rodriguez outperformed him.
Rodriguez kept the Dodgers to only one earned run in his five solid innings, which came from Freddie Freeman’s hit after an error on a play in the sixth.
After that, the Dodgers (3-0) struggled against the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, making six consecutive outs following Freeman’s double, with Mookie Betts walking in the eighth with two outs.
But that was just the opening they needed, as Smith connected on a 98 mph pitch from Juan Morillo, sending it sailing into center field.
What it means
The Dodgers are clearly firing on all cylinders. Their overall performance was solid, with certain small instances contributing significantly to Saturday’s win.
In the sixth inning, Kyle Tucker hit a home run near the right-field corner and showed off his speed to disrupt a play at first, stealing second to set up Freeman’s RBI double.
Meanwhile, Betts’ walk acted as the spark for Smith’s crucial hit, especially given that Smith had been 0-for-3 until that point and expressed frustration over his earlier four-pitch walk.
In the end, Edwin Diaz put in three scoreless innings from the bullpen, notching his second save of the season.
Who is hot
Before Saturday’s game, Freeman hadn’t gotten any hits, despite making solid contact in the first two games.
It’s kind of curious, given that he had faced high-speed pitches in each game.
Next steps
For the Dodgers, an odd twist in MLB’s staggered schedule means they will enjoy a rare day off on Sunday, followed by a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians starting Monday night. Roki Sasaki will be on the mound for that game, looking to turn around the challenges faced during spring training.
