Dodgers 9, Diamondbacks 3
PHOENIX, June 19 — Walker Buehler took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers lit up Arizona Diamondbacks pitching for nine runs on eleven hits. This guided the Dodgers to a big 9–3 victory over the Diamondbacks in a game where the score was closer than the game felt. Dodgers catcher Will Smith fell a triple short of the cycle in a 3-for-4, two RBI effort to lead the way offensively.
The Dodgers took an early 2–0 left after a leadoff double by center fielder Mookie Betts and a two-out home run to right by catcher Will Smith. First baseman Matt Beaty followed with a triple off the metal façade of the home run porch over right-center field. He advanced no further, as second baseman Chris Taylor followed with a side-retiring grounder to short.
The lead swelled to 3–0 in the second. Right fielder Zach McKinstry hit a one-out single. After Buehler bunted him to second and Betts walked, shortstop Gavin Lux drove McKinstry in with a sharp single to left.
Another Big Blow to the Diamondbacks Roster as Dodgers Open Huge Lead
In the bottom of the second, catcher Carson Kelly, batting with one out, took a 96 mph 2–1 sinker off the wrist. Although he stayed in the game until the top of the fourth, the pitch broke his right wrist. “Initially, after getting hit, I was a little worried about that wrist because (shortstop) Nick Ahmed and guys in the past have been hit up there. It’s scary stuff.” He continued, “I had the initial movement, strength, and everything there, but just as time went on, it kept getting worse and worse. At that point, it felt like it was time to get it checked out.” It is unknown how many games Kelly, who already has a broken big toe, will miss. Kelly, visibly frustrated, summed it up bluntly. “It sucks.”
The sixth inning saw the Dodgers tack on three runs thanks to three walks by reliever Kevin Ginkel and a bases-clearing double by Justin Turner. An unearned run in the seventh off new acquisition Jake Faria made the lead 7–0. A single by Turner and two-run bomb by Taylor increased it to 9–0.
In the meantime, Buehler entered the eighth inning with a no-hitter, having allowed only three baserunners. The no-no bid ended on a leadoff single by left fielder David Peralta. After right fielder Pavin Smith fanned, Ahmed knocked Buehler out of the game when he ripped a single to left. New pitcher Mitch White lost the shutout when the first man he faced — pinch-hitter Tim Locastro — belted a single to right. Rojas went down looking, bringing up center fielder Ketel Marte, who scorched a double to left-center, scoring both Ahmed and Locastro to cut the deficit to 9–3 and finalize the score.
Postgame Reflections
Losing Kelly is a huge blow to the Diamondbacks. Manager Torey Lovullo said, “He was catching at a very high level and was a very consistent offensive player for us. It’s nothing you ever want to see or talk about postgame, where your starting catcher has a wrist fracture.” Kelly has been one of the most productive Diamondback hitters during the season. He has gone 39-for-150, slashing .260/.385/.460. This translates to a .371 wOBA and 9.1 wRAA, second-best on the team behind Marte. Right now, it appears that the only roster options the Diamondbacks have are journeyman Bryan Holaday or Daulton Varsho. Both are currently with the Triple-A Reno Aces. Holaday might be the preferred option, since he bats right-handed. Both Varsho and current catcher Stephen Vogt bat left-handed.
Looking Ahead
Buehler ran his record to 7–0 with the win, while Peacock dropped to 2–5. The series concludes Sunday afternoon at 1:10 Arizona Time. Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin (0–0, 3.38 ERA) will face left-hander Alex Young (2–4, 3.86 ERA).
Main Photo:
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Players/managers mentioned:
Walker Buehler, Will Smith, Mookie Betts, Matt Beaty, Chris Taylor, Zach McKinstry, Gavin Lux, Carson Kelly, Nick Ahmed, Kevin Ginkel, Justin Turner, Jake Faria, David Peralta, Pavin Smith, Mitch White, Tim Locastro, Ketel Marte, Torey Lovullo, Bryan Holaday, Daulton Varsho, Stephen Vogt, Tony Gonsolin, Alex Young
