Yamamoto Shines, Will Smith Walks It Off as Dodgers Avoid Sweep in Thrilling Finish

By:
Jay Parker

Yamamoto Shines, Will Smith Walks It Off as Dodgers Avoid Sweep in Thrilling Finish

By:
Jay Parker
Photo Taken By:

LOS ANGELES The Dodgers finally found a spark on Sunday night, and it came from both the mound and the batter’s box.

With Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the hill, the Dodgers’ ace delivered an absolute gem, going 7 innings while allowing just 1 earned run and striking out 10. His command and poise were on full display, keeping the Diamondbacks off balance all night long.

Offensively, the Dodgers showed signs of life, tallying 10 hits in the game — though they did strike out 10 times themselves. Still, it was a much-needed offensive jolt after two quiet nights to start the series.

Things took a turn in the 8th, however, when Tanner Scott — who has struggled to find his footing in his first season with Los Angeles — was called upon to preserve a 3-run lead. After retiring the first two batters with ease, Scott surrendered back-to-back singles, bringing up the dangerous Corbin Carroll. With two outs and the tying run at the plate, Carroll launched a devastating 3-run homer to right, tying the game and silencing the Dodger Stadium crowd.

Blake Treinen came in for the 9th and quickly restored order, retiring all three batters he faced with ease.

Then came the moment of the night.

Leading off the bottom of the 9th, Will Smith stepped up to pinch-hit — and delivered in the biggest way possible. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Smith crushed a walk-off home run to left-center, sending Dodger Stadium into a frenzy and salvaging the final game of the series.

It was an exciting end to what had otherwise been a disappointing weekend for the Dodgers, who were in danger of being swept at home.

With the win, the Dodgers improve to 78-59 and now turn their attention to a road trip, flying to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates starting Tuesday.