The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a four-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, 5–3, on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium to improve to 25–12, increasing their lead in the National League West over San Diego to two games.
The Dodgers offense continued to produce with nine hits, as they lead the league with with 203 runs scored, including 29 runs in the four-game homestand over the D-backs.
“Our guys, all throughout the lineup, could be top-end guys in any lineup,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Right now, this is the best we’ve swung the bat as a whole.”
Mookie Betts continued his streak with a double to start the first inning off D-backs starter Zach Davies, and he scored after Freeman immediately followed with a single into shallow right-center to take an early one-run lead.
The D-backs rallied in the second with Josh Rojas scoring after his single, coming home off of Geraldo Perdomo’s groundout to shortstop Trea Turner.
Arizona took a 2–1 lead in the third when Daulton Varsho scored off of Pavin Smith’s groundout to first.
The Dodgers took control in the fourth inning beginning with Will Smith’s double to deep right field, followed by Max Muncy’s single to right—sending Smith to third.
“Every team you face is a Major League team, but this [Dodgers] lineup that you face, there’s no time to take a breath,” said D-backs third baseman Josh Rojas. “You’ve got one through nine are all extremely good hitters, and you have to be locked in for every pitch.”
Justin Turner then hit his fourth homer of the season with a 373 feet shot over the left wall for his 28th RBI this season. His batting average improves to .203, with 18 RBIs in May.
“It certainly helps to have all those guys in front of you who are great hitters, and it feels like they get on base every single time,” said former batting leader Turner. “It’s a lot more fun to go up and hit when guys are out there.”
Cody Bellinger followed with a double to right and scored from Gavin Lux’s single to lead 5–2.
Arizona attempted to rally and added a run in the top of the seventh inning when Varsho scored off of P. Smith’s single off of Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol to finish the scoring at 5–3.
Dodgers Daniel Hudson was credited with his second save of the season, coming in the ninth with a strikeout and two groundouts.
The four-game series finished with Betts, Freeman, and Turner combining for 16 hits and eight walks.
“This is the first time we’ve seen it,” added Roberts. “Freddie has been consistent all year, but I think he’s even ramped it up another notch. Having Mookie playing the way he’s been playing the last week, and I think Trea has been going well for 10 days. To see what those guys are doing at the top, is pretty special.”
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler got his fifth win (5–1) of the season, giving up six hits and striking out four, while giving up two earned runs in five innings.
“Not a great outing,” said Buehler. “It’s my eighth start. I probably should be in game shape by now, but I’ve struggled. It’s tough to not go and perform the way you think you ought to.”
In the fifth inning, Buehler loaded up the bases with no outs to escape by striking out two and forcing a groundout.
The Dodgers next travel to Philadelphia to begin a 10-game road-trip on Friday, starting LHP Julio Urías (2-3, 3.00).
The D-backs travel to face the Chicago Cubs Friday, starting RHP Zac Gallen (2-0, 1.05 ERA).
