Christian Walker hit two home runs, including a two-run homer in the 10th inning, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, which was delayed by a swarm of bees.
The game was paused for nearly two hours while a beekeeper removed the colony from the netting behind home plate. During the delay, players and fans waited patiently, finding ways to pass the time in the indoor batting cage and clubhouse.
“It was strange, but credit to the guys for staying focused and ready to play,” said Walker.
The action in the game didn’t heat up until later innings. Gabriel Moreno’s single tied the game for Arizona in the eighth inning. Los Angeles reliever Nabil Crismatt pitched a perfect ninth inning to force extra innings.
In the 10th inning, the Dodgers loaded the bases against Scott McGough, and Will Smith’s sacrifice fly gave them a one-run lead.
Initially, Walker planned to move the runner from second to third, but Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo encouraged him to swing for the fences instead.
On the third pitch from Crismatt, Walker hit a home run to left field, securing the victory for the Diamondbacks in a thrilling finish at Chase Field.
“That added a bit of motivation for me. Otherwise, I might have tried to hit to the middle of the field and move the runner to third base,” Walker explained. “Having that freedom and forgiveness helped me.”
After the long delay, the Diamondbacks made a change, bringing in left-hander Brandon Hughes instead of the scheduled starter Jordan Montgomery, who had already completed his warmup before the delay was announced.
The Dodgers kept Landon Knack on the mound, and he gave up a solo home run to Walker in the fourth inning, the only run he allowed in five innings of work.
In the fifth inning, the Dodgers loaded the bases against Justin Martinez, tying the game on Joe Mantiply’s wild pitch. A balk by Mantiply allowed Smith to score from third, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning.
However, the Diamondbacks staged a late rally, securing a much-needed win on a peculiar night at the ballpark.
