by Megan Garcia

The Dodgers started the game with three historic home run blasts. Their fate was sealed with a momentous single in the ninth. The Dodgers now have a six-game lead in the National League West.

The Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8–6 on Saturday at Chase Field. Every spot in the lineup made an impact with 16 hits (six for extra bases) to battle back from ties.

“You have to play 27 outs,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s bringing out the best in us. I think there are certainly things we need to clean up…but overall, the way we’re competing and we’re winning pitches — that’s fun to watch.”

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman clubbed three consecutive home runs in the span of four pitches in the first inning against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly.

They positioned the Dodgers to a 3–0 lead before the first out was recorded. It was the first time since April 13, 2022, the Dodgers hit back-to-back-to-back homers when former Dodger Cody Bellinger, Gavin Lux and Austin Barnes did so in Minnesota in the eighth inning.

Arizona took the lead after a four-run first inning against Gavin Stone. The Dodgers responded with two runs in the second with RBIs from Ohtani and Freeman, pulling Los Angeles ahead 5–4.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tied the game 5–5 by clubbing a homer off a one-out, 2–0 fastball from Stone in the third.

The Dodgers regained the lead at 6–5 in the fifth with Max Muncy’s two-out single to drive in Lux. After keeping the Diamondbacks scoreless for three innings, Corbin Carroll evened the game at 6–6 with a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Tommy Edman — in his 11th game as a Dodger — stepped up to the plate to be the difference maker in the ninth with two outs. He stroked a single to right field, driving in Chris Taylor and Lux, to give the Dodgers their final lead at 8–6.

“It was fun,” Edman said. “I’ve seen these guys have huge hits in just a couple of weeks that I’ve been here — a lot of big home runs. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Stone Brings Relief to the ‘Pen

The right-hander needed to go the distance on Saturday. Bullpen arms were scarce after Friday’s eight-inning coverage by seven relievers.

Stone was tagged for five earned runs in five innings pitched in his 25th start this season. The 25-year-old surrendered two home runs among his five hits allowed while striking out four batters and walking one.

After four consecutive hits to lead off the first, Stone retired 15 of the last 17 batters he faced.

Brent Honeywell, Ben Casparius — who struck out the side in his MLB debut — and Evan Phillips combined for four relief innings.

Kershaw Placed on the Injured List

Clayton Kershaw was placed on the injured list with left big toe inflammation. He was removed in the second inning during Friday’s game. The lefty allowed three earned runs on three hits (one home run) and one walk.

In seven starts this season, Kershaw has a 2–2 record with a 4.50 ERA in 30 innings pitched.

Joe Kelly was also placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Kelly pitched 1 2/3 innings on Friday following Kershaw’s removal, giving up two earned runs, two hits and three walks with one strikeout.

The Dodgers selected Honeywell’s contract and called up Casparius to replace Kershaw and Kelly on the active roster before the game.