Resilient Dodgers Rally Past Diamondbacks

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The Arizona Diamondbacks were defeated in the second game of their 3-game series against heated National League West rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the D-Backs would dictate the pace of the game and take the lead on several occasions, the Dodgers were able to rally and win the game 6-4.

The 1st inning allowed both Arizona and Los Angeles ample time to flex their muscles. Ender Incirate led off the festivities with a double and the D-Backs would soon jump to a 2-0 lead. Paul Goldschmidt towered the first pitch he saw and sent it straight away over the center field fence.

Apr 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The lead was short-lived, however. In the bottom of the frame, Justin Turner hit a solo home run to cut the deficit. This would be Turner’s second home run in as many days. After a Howie Kendrick single, Adrian Gonzalez tied the game up with a double, driving Kendrick home.

It wouldn’t take too long before Arizona demanded the lead back. In the top of the 2nd inning, Jordan Pacheco led off the inning by draw a walk. A hit and run sent Pacheco to third base. With two outs in the inning, Inciarte shot a single up the middle to give Arizona a 3-2 lead.

The ever-so-resilient Dodgers would come around and knot things up. This time it was the bottom of the 3rd and again due to a lead off walk. Similar to how Arizona gained the lead, Scott Van Slyke came up to the plate with 2 outs and lined a single up the middle to drive Turner home.

Apr 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Aaron Hill (2) follows through during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona would immediately reclaim the lead for the third time in the contest. The first hitter of the 4th inning, Aaron Hill, was able to come through for the D-Backs. Hill, who’s exhibited capable power in the past, smacked his 1st home run of the season.

Due to the back and forth nature of the game, especially early on, both Jeremy Hellickson and Scott Baker labored through their outings. Hellickson went 5 1/3 innings, surrendered 3 runs and 6 hits, while striking out six. Baker would only last 4 innings, giving up 4 runs and 7 hits in his outing. Neither would fare into the decision.

Apr 27, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The bottom of the 7th saw the Dodgers claw back into a tie and then claim the lead for the first time in the game. Joc Pederson continued his dominance over Arizona. After setting the tone for last night’s game when he hit his first career grand slam, Pederson hit a solo shot to center to tie the game.

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Another thorn on the side of the Diamondbacks, Justin Turner, doubled later in the inning. Kendrick would go on to clutch up and drive in Pederson to hand over the lead to Los Angeles. The home run, double and single all came with two outs already recorded. Evan Marshall (0-1) would be held responsible for the Dodgers resurgence.

Juan Nicasio (1-1) had relieved Baker and performed admirably. Nicasio churned out 3 innings in relief and struck out 2 batters. All 9 hitters that faced Nicasio were sent back in order. The ball would be handed over to Yimi Garcia for the 8th inning.

Los Angeles was able to tack on another run in the bottom of the 8th to extend the lead to 6-4. Chris Hatcher collected his 2nd save in as many opportunities on behalf of the Dodgers.

Los Angeles (15-8) and Arizona (10-13) will wrap up the series on Sunday afternoon, where the D-Backs will attempt to salvage something of meaning in the series.

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