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Dodgers News: A.J. Pollock Felt Taking 3rd Base On Game-Tying Double Was Worth The Risk

Matt Borelli
2 Min Read
Yong Teck Lim-Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their Opening Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on a strong note, rallying back from a 7-5 deficit in the late innings to secure an 8-7 victory at Dodger Stadium.

A.J. Pollock propelled the comeback, delivering a game-tying, two-run double in the eighth inning off Diamondbacks relief pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano.

Heads-up baserunning allowed the 31-year-old to take third base on Adam Jones’ error, which proved vital, as Max Muncy ultimately drove Pollock home with a sacrifice fly to give the Dodgers a lead they would never relinquish.

Pollock had envisioned that scenario playing out beforehand, which led to his aggressive decision to take the extra base, via Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider:

“It’s just a decision you’ve got to make really quick,” Pollock said. “It was kind of worth it to stretch that and give us a chance to get that sac fly.”

By scoring the go-ahead run, Pollock enabled the Dodgers to hand the ball off to closer Kenley Jansen, who recorded his first save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

The longtime Diamondbacks outfielder enjoyed a terrific showing against his former club, batting .412/.500/.706 with two doubles, one home run and six RBI over 20 plate appearances in the four-game series.

Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.