The Los Angeles Dodgers quickly rebounded from having their four-game winning streak snapped by coming up with timely hits in a 3-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. That improved the Dodgers to 5-1 on their current homestand, with three more games remaining.
Will Smith got the scoring started with a solo home run off Madison Bumgarner in the second inning, adding the success he’s had against the left-hander thus far in his career. The home run was Smith’s fourth this season and first since April 27.
After Mookie Betts worked a walk with one out in the third inning, Justin Turner battled back from an 0-2 deficit and earned his own free pass on a 10-pitch plate appearance. That wound up setting the table for Albert Pujols to deliver an RBI single.
“It was pretty awesome,” Pujols said of his Dodgers debut. “Really high-pumped energy from the fans. I was really excited to take the field and contribute for the ballclub.”
Those were the only two runs Madison Bumgarner allowed on a night that was cut short to four innings because of a left adductor spasm.
Walker Buehler allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings but was forced to labor in the fourth. He suddenly lost command of his pitches and issued three straight walks to load the bases, prompting a mound visit from Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior.
Buehler settled back in to get out of the jam and he retired the final 11 batters faced. The right-hander has logged at least six innings in each of his eight starts this season.
“The electric stuff that he has is unbelievable,” said Pujols, who offered words of encouragement to Buehler in the dugout after his shaky fourth inning.
Gavin Lux provided insurance with a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth, which aided Kenley Jansen’s effort to convert a four-out save. The Diamondbacks threatened in the ninth inning behind a walk and single before Jansen shut the door on a game-ending double play.
Next for Dodgers
L.A. looks to start another winning streak Tuesday night with Julio Urias looking to build on a strong outing his last time out.
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