Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages each hit doubles that brought in two runs in a significant fifth inning. Will Smith also contributed with a solo homer as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4 on Monday night.
Remarkably, the Dodgers didn’t strike out at all in the game, a feat not seen since 2006 for the franchise.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended the team’s hitting approach, emphasizing their ability to diversify their offensive strategy, much like using different clubs in golf.
Pages ended the game with three RBIs, marking the second time he achieved this in his 12-game career. The 23-year-old rookie extended his hitting streak to seven games and has maintained a batting average of .298 with an .846 OPS since debuting in the big leagues on April 16.
Reflecting on his performance, Pages acknowledged the challenge of facing top-notch players but stressed the importance of capitalizing on their mistakes.
Shohei Ohtani contributed to the Dodgers’ success with two singles, a walk, and an RBI, contributing to the team’s seven wins in their last eight games.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have struggled, losing four of their last five games.
In the fifth inning, with the Dodgers leading 2-1, a series of walks set the stage for Hernández’s double, followed by Pages’ timely hit that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 6-1.
Pages emphasized his approach at the plate, focusing on handling pitches well and capitalizing on those within the strike zone.
This game marked the first meeting between the D-backs and Dodgers since Arizona’s sweep of the three-game National League Division Series last season, a part of the D-backs’ unexpected playoff journey to the World Series.