Teoscar Hernández singled in the go-ahead run during the ninth inning, securing his third RBI of the game as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged past the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Tuesday night.
The Dodgers made a comeback after holding leads of 2-0 and 4-3 earlier in the game.
“We always keep fighting until the final out,” Hernández remarked.
Paul Sewald (0-1) struck out Gavin Lux and Shohei Ohtani before Will Smith doubled to center field, allowing Smith to score the tying run on Freddie Freeman’s double to right with two strikes. This was Sewald’s first blown save in 12 opportunities this season.
“I had faith in my players,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said, “but unfortunately, we didn’t execute.”
Joc Pederson’s solo home run on an 0-2 count from Evan Phillips (1-0) in the top of the ninth briefly gave Arizona a 5-4 lead.
The D-backs tied the game in the eighth inning. Gabriel Moreno walked, and pinch-hitter Jake McCarthy followed with a bunt single to Blake Treinen, who made a slow play on the ball. Moreno scored the go-ahead run on Treinen’s throwing error to second base.
In the seventh inning, Ohtani hit a two-run homer that propelled the Dodgers to a 4-3 advantage. It was his 27th home run of the season and came on Japanese Heritage Night. Lux, who began the inning with a walk from Justin Martinez, also crossed home plate.
“We battled all night, had good at-bats, and kept pushing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented. “It was frustrating waiting until the seventh inning for our offense to spark, but it’s better late than never.”
