PHOENIX — Shohei Ohtani powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a thrilling 14-11 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks with a dramatic three-run home run in the ninth inning on Friday night. The Dodgers, who initially let slip a significant early advantage, trailed 11-8 as they approached the game’s final inning.
The rally began with Andy Pages and Kiké Hernández hitting back-to-back run-scoring doubles against Arizona’s Kevin Ginkel (0-1) to start the ninth. Max Muncy followed up with a single that leveled the score at 11-11. Subsequently, Ryan Thompson was brought in to replace Ginkel and face Ohtani.
Ohtani, showing his clutch prowess, lined up for his at-bat facing a 1-2 count and smashed his 12th home run of the season over the pool deck area in right field, giving the Dodgers a decisive 14-11 lead. Ohtani completed the game with four RBIs, showcasing his dual threat as both a hitter and a potential game changer.
Tanner Scott ensured no further incidents by closing out the ninth inning without allowing any hits, earning his eleventh save in twelve opportunities. The early part of the night saw the Dodgers exploit Arizona’s pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to jump to an 8-3 advantage. However, Arizona fought back with power of their own.
In the fifth inning, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. propelled the Diamondbacks’ comeback with a grand slam that equalized the score. Ketel Marte and Randal Grichuk continued the offensive push with solo home runs in the eighth off the Dodgers’ Alex Vesia, giving Arizona what seemed like a commanding 11-8 lead.
Adding more to the statistics, Pages finished the night with three RBIs, while Hernández stretched the Dodgers’ streak of games with a home run to 13 consecutive games with his solo homer in the second inning. The standout player for Arizona was Marte, who hit two home runs in the matchup. Rodriguez, on the other hand, had a challenging evening, surrendering eight runs on nine hits in less than three innings.
One notable highlight from the match was Ohtani’s remarkable three-run home run, consistently exhibiting his ability to impact the game’s outcome in crucial moments. For Arizona, the game marked their second consecutive game with a grand slam, a feat not achieved since 2011, when they also managed this against the Dodgers.
Looking ahead, the series continues with Dodgers’ right-handed pitcher Dusty May (1-2, 4.36 ERA) scheduled to face off against Diamondbacks’ right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes (1-1, 3.58 ERA) in the third game on Saturday.