In a commanding display of power and precision, the Arizona Diamondbacks delivered an impressive performance in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers with a resounding score of 11-2.
The Diamondbacks wasted no time making their intentions clear, launching a six-run onslaught in the very first inning against Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Gabriel Moreno set the tone with a three-run home run in this explosive opening frame, setting the stage for a dominant performance.
As the game unfolded, the Diamondbacks’ offensive prowess continued to shine, with Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, and Tommy Pham all contributing home runs. This offensive barrage allowed the Diamondbacks to seize control of the game and mark a memorable start to their quest to reach the NL Championship Series, a feat they have not accomplished since 2007.
On the pitching front, Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly delivered an exceptional performance, holding the Dodgers scoreless over 6 1/3 innings. Despite his previous struggles against Los Angeles with no wins in 16 regular-season starts, Kelly showcased his postseason mettle by limiting the Dodgers to just three hits while tallying five strikeouts and issuing only two walks.
In stark contrast, Clayton Kershaw, the legendary left-hander for the Dodgers, endured a nightmarish outing. Kershaw gave up six runs on six hits, including a home run, and issued one walk in a mere one-third of an inning. This disastrous start marked one of the shortest outings of Kershaw’s illustrious career, a concerning development for the Dodgers.
Kershaw’s struggles were evident right from the beginning when Arizona’s leadoff hitter, Ketel Marte, connected with a line-drive double that glanced off the glove of rookie center fielder James Outman. Carroll followed up with an RBI single, and Pham added a base hit of his own, all contributing to a 2-0 lead before an out was recorded.
The defining moment of Kershaw’s outing was Gabriel Moreno’s three-run home run, which soared deep into the left-field bleachers. This remarkable feat highlighted Kershaw’s difficulties, as he became the first pitcher in playoff history to concede five runs and five hits without recording an out, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Diamondbacks continued to pile on the runs, with Carroll’s solo home run in the second inning extending their lead to 7-0. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. added an RBI double, and Evan Longoria contributed a sacrifice fly, further demoralizing the Dodgers.
A noteworthy moment came in the seventh inning when Alek Thomas engaged in a 14-pitch at-bat against Dodgers right-hander Michael Grove before launching a solo home run, solidifying Arizona’s dominance.
Tommy Pham provided the finishing touch for the Diamondbacks with a home run in the eighth inning, cementing their impressive 11-2 victory. Although the Dodgers managed to break the shutout with a two-run triple by Will Smith in the eighth, it was too little, too late to mount a comeback.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have sent a clear message to the Dodgers and the baseball world with their spectacular Game 1 performance. The series promises more thrilling action as both teams vie for supremacy in the NLDS.
