Successful Trip for the Dodgers
The Dodgers got exactly what they needed Sunday afternoon at the end of a grueling 10-game trek around the country. A strong start from right-hander Tony Gonsolin, a huge performance from the top of their lineup, and a thorough 8-1 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks, splitting a four-game series at Chase Field this weekend to return home from this week-and-a-half-long trip with a 6-4 record that keeps them in first place in the National League West.
Gonsolin’s Strong Start
In a battle of two former All-Stars on Sunday, Gonsolin outdueled Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen, tossing five scoreless innings to earn his second win in three starts since returning from Tommy John surgery — and a back injury that forced him to miss the first month of the season — this year. “His delivery looks really good,” manager Dave Roberts said of Gonsolin, who has a 2.80 ERA in his first three starts this season while looking much closer to the 2022 All-Star version of himself than he did while pitching through his elbow injury in 2023.
Performance of the Top Lineup
Gonsolin faced little stress Sunday, scattering three hits and two walks while striking out four. Only twice did the Diamondbacks get a runner in scoring position against him, stranding two runners aboard in the first and third. After that, Gonsolin finished his 84-pitch outing — one shortened given his recent return from injury, and because he was the first Dodgers pitcher this year to make a start on four days’ rest — by retiring six of his final seven batters. On the other hand, Gallen had trouble with the Dodgers and the three superstars at the top of their lineup.
Freeman’s Big Day
In the first inning, Mookie Betts singled and scored all the way from first on a Freddie Freeman double in the gap. In the fifth, Shohei Ohtani and Betts led with consecutive singles, setting up Freeman for a sacrifice fly and Will Smith for an RBI single through a drawn-in infield. The next time the top of the order came up, with a runner on third and two out in the sixth, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo went to his bullpen, summoning left-hander Joe Mantiply to face Ohtani. It didn’t work, with Ohtani roping an RBI single to right to make it 4-0. When Mantiply returned to the mound in the seventh, it was Freeman’s turn to tee off, hitting his ninth home run of the year into the Chase Field pool for a 5-0 lead.
Injury Updates
When Blake Snell accompanied the Dodgers on this 10-game trip, the expectation was that he would begin a throwing progression after missing the last month with shoulder inflammation. But, after having the start of his catch play pushed back once last week because he was feeling under the weather, Snell did not play catch as expected Sunday, either, because of continued discomfort in his left throwing shoulder. Tyler Glasnow, who is also on the injured list with shoulder inflammation but did begin playing catch again this week back in Los Angeles, will have a check-in Monday, as well.
Conclusion
The Dodgers completed their successful trip with a 6-4 record, thanks to the strong performance of Tony Gonsolin and the top of their lineup. Freddie Freeman had a huge day, with four hits, including a home run, and raised his batting average to .376. The team is looking forward to returning home and continuing their winning streak.
FAQs
- Q: Who was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on Sunday?
A: Tony Gonsolin was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on Sunday. - Q: Who hit a home run for the Dodgers in the seventh inning?
A: Freddie Freeman hit his ninth home run of the year into the Chase Field pool in the seventh inning. - Q: What is the current record of the Dodgers?
A: The Dodgers have a 27-14 record and are in first place in the National League West. - Q: Who are the Dodgers’ Big 3 players?
A: The Dodgers’ Big 3 players are Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman.
