The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, extending their lead in the best-of-five series to 2-0. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. played a pivotal role with a run-scoring single and a home run, helping the Diamondbacks move within one win of their first National League Championship Series appearance since 2007.
Zac Gallen delivered 5 1/3 solid innings for Arizona, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four batters. Paul Sewald closed the game with a perfect ninth inning, earning his third postseason save.
The Dodgers struggled with pitching as rookie right-hander Bobby Miller (0-1) gave up three runs and managed only five outs in his playoff debut. Over the two NLDS games, Dodgers starters have logged just six outs while surrendering nine runs.
The Diamondbacks continued their trend of fast starts, loading the bases early in Game 2. They capitalized on the opportunity, scoring three first-inning runs, including a sacrifice fly from Christian Walker, a groundout by Gabriel Moreno, and Gurriel’s single.
J.D. Martinez hit a solo home run for the Dodgers in the fourth inning, narrowing the gap to 3-1.
The Dodgers had a chance to score more in the fifth but couldn’t capitalize, leaving two runners stranded. Gallen struck out Freddie Freeman to escape the inning.
Gurriel added another run for the Diamondbacks with his solo home run in the sixth, extending their lead to 4-1. The Dodgers threatened again in the bottom of the inning, scoring once, but were unable to complete the comeback.
The Diamondbacks’ bullpen, which had struggled earlier in the season, performed admirably in shutting down the Dodgers over the final 3 1/3 innings.
With the series shifting to Arizona for Game 3 on Wednesday and Game 4 (if necessary) on Thursday, the Diamondbacks have the opportunity to clinch their spot in the NLCS in front of their home fans.
