Photo credit: nbcsports.com
POST-GAME BRIEFING
The Dodgers opened up their second of a four-game series against division rival Arizona Diamondbacks looking to extend their winning streak to four games and guarantee a split of the series. Though the Dodgers offense put together three runs and lead most of the game, they couldn’t overcome a late-inning rally by the D-backs, who scored four runs in the 8th to win 5-3.
The offense was powered by All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts, who hit his first home run as a Dodger in the 4th inning and drove in another on an RBI single in the 5th inning. Corey Seager added a solo homer in the top of the 8th. Betts tried to start a rally with a double in the top of the 9th, but Cody Bellinger popped out with runners on 2nd and 3rd to end the game.
Young starter Tony Gonsolin made his 2020 debut t0night, going four strong innings of 1 H/1 BB/ 1 K baseball before turning it over the bullpen. The Dodgers bullpen, one of the most used in MLB thus far this year, managed to hold the lead until the 8th, when a fielding error and two walks set the table for Christian Walker’s three-run double, giving the D-backs a 4-3 lead. A wild pitch and single surrendered by reliever Blake Treinen added another run. Overall, the Dodgers bullpen gave up five runs and three walks.
SCORING PLAYS
TOP 4th: Mookie Betts solo home run (1-0 LAD)
TOP 5th: Mookie Betts RBI single (2-0 LAD)
BOT 6th: Kole Calhoun RBI Double (2-1 LAD)
TOP 8th: Corey Seager solo home run (3-1 LAD)
BOT 8th: Christian Walker 3 run double (4-3 ADB)
BOT 8th: David Peralta RBI single (5-3 ADB)
DLD PLAY OF THE GAME
At the bottom of the first inning, lead-off hitter Ketel Marte lined a double toward the right-field corner that he tried turning into a triple. Mookie Betts neglected Marte of a three-bagger with a 305-foot laser to Justin Turner at third base to tag Ketel out.Â
Don’t run on Mookie!
— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) August 1, 2020
pic.twitter.com/7TofoIn8qR
It turned out, that throw was tied for the 5th longest throw for an assist in the Statcast era. He tied it with none other than himself.Â
Mookie Betts’ throw tonight was tracked at 305 ft.
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 1, 2020
That’s tied for the 5th-longest throw for an assist tracked by Statcast (since 2015) — with a throw of his own from Sept. 23 last season…the one on the left side of this video.
h/t @JasonBernard_ https://t.co/5Sgu0OpYSl
DLD PLAYER OF THE GAME
Albeit in a losing effort, Mookie Betts had a spectacular game. First, he awwed us with his cannon of an arm. Then, he hit the first of many homeruns as a Dodger to come.Â
Sorry Boston, but he is ours now.
— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) August 1, 2020
This is Betts first HR as a Dodger
pic.twitter.com/aGi5EFvvHP
He finished the night going 3 for 5 with two extra-base hits, two runs batted in, and a strikeout. His last at-bat would put the Dodgers in the position to tie the game but ultimately fell through with Cody Bellinger popping up the final out of the night.Â
UP NEXT
The Dodgers look to rebound from tonight’s loss by sending Julio Urias to the mound. The Diamondbacks will counter with Luke Weaver. First pitch tomorrow is at 6:10 pm.
Edward M Bayer III has returned to DLD after a short hiatus. Follow him on Twitter at @insuradj02 and follow @DodgersLowDown for more.