PHOENIX—Josh Rojas had his second straight three-hit game, Pavin Smith drove in three runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks got 16 hits in an 11–6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers 11–6 on Sunday, April 9.
Every Arizona starter had at least one hit as the Diamondbacks followed a 12-run, 17-hit effort Saturday with another easy victory and took three out of four in the weekend series. Arizona is 5–3 against the Dodgers this season after Los Angeles went 38–10 against the Diamondbacks over the prior three seasons.
Arizona scored in each of the first five innings, helped by five stolen bases, including two from Nick Ahmed. The Diamondbacks also took extra bases on several hits—James Outman’s lobbed throw from center allowed Jake McCarthy to hustle into second with a double in the second inning, leading to Jose Herrera’s two-out RBI single.
Nelson (1–0) gave up three runs and four hits in six innings of his second start this season. He worked through a shaky first inning and retired his last 11 batters.
Michael Grove (0–1), making his eighth big league start, allowed nine runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander’s ERA in two starts this season ballooned from 6.75 to 14.73.
J.D. Martinez had a triple and a double and drove in two runs for the Dodgers, who did not hit a home run for the first time this season.
Arizona took a 6–3 lead with a three-run third when Alek Thomas hit a tiebreaking single and Ahmed had a two-run single. Smith hit a two-run double in a three-run fourth that built a 9–3 advantage.
Back in the Lineup
Dodgers SS Miguel Rojas returned after missing five games with a groin strain and went 0 for 3 with a walk. Manager Dave Roberts, citing caution, said before the game that Rojas will sit out Monday’s game at San Francisco but is scheduled to play again on Tuesday.D-Backs Dealings
RHP Peter Solomon pitched the final two innings in his Arizona debut, allowing three runs, three hits and two walks. The 26-year-old, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Reno, had not appeared in the major leagues since six relief appearances for Houston in 2021. He replaced RHP Zach Davies, who was placed on the 15-day IL with a strained oblique. ...The Diamondbacks acquired RHP José Ruiz from the Chicago White Sox for cash. The 28-year-old reliever, who pitched for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, will report for the next series against Milwaukee. He was designated for assignment on Friday after posting a 22.09 ERA in four games for the White Sox. ...RHPs Mark Melancon and Cole Sulser, both dealing with strained pitching shoulders, were transferred to the 60-day injured list.Next
Dodgers: Open a three-game series at San Francisco on Monday. LHP Julio Urías (2–0, 0.75) starts against RHP Logan Webb (0–2, 6.55).Diamondbacks: Host Milwaukee in a three-game series beginning Monday night. RHP Zac Gallen (0–1, 7.59 ERA) starts against LHP Wade Miley (1–0, 0.00).
