The Dodgers vs Diamondbacks rivalry delivered another dramatic chapter on Friday night as the Arizona Diamondbacks stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 4-3 walk-off victory at Chase Field. Rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt became the hero by crushing a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off closer Edwin Díaz, handing the LA Dodgers their seventh consecutive defeat.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks: Waldschmidt Delivers in the Ninth
For much of the night, the Dodger game was a tightly contested pitching duel. Arizona starter Merrill Kelly dominated early, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning before exiting because of leg cramps. The Dodgers eventually fought back, with Tommy Edman helping spark the offense before Andy Pages launched a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning to give Los Angeles a 3-2 advantage.
However, the Diamondbacks refused to quit. In the ninth, Max Kepler drew a walk against closer Edwin Díaz, pinch-runner Jorge Barrosa stole second base, and rookie Ryan Waldschmidt blasted a 411-foot homer into left-center field. The dramatic swing gave Arizona a 4-3 victory and sent the home crowd into celebration.
Dodgers Losing Streak Continues
The defeat extended the Dodgers losing streak to seven games, their longest skid of the 2026 MLB season. Despite maintaining one of baseball’s strongest records, Los Angeles has struggled to finish close games during the past week.
The bullpen, which had been one of the club’s strengths earlier in the year, has faltered in key moments. Edwin Díaz, acquired to strengthen the back end of the bullpen, suffered the loss after surrendering the decisive home run to Waldschmidt.
Tommy Edman Provides Offensive Spark
Although the result was disappointing for the Dodgers, Tommy Edman turned in one of the team’s better performances. The versatile infielder collected two hits, drove in a run, and continued to provide consistent production at the top of the lineup.
Edman’s timely RBI helped the Dodgers erase Arizona’s early lead, while his overall defensive versatility remains one of Los Angeles’ biggest assets as the club searches for answers during its current slump.
Ryan Waldschmidt Keeps Impressing
For Arizona, Ryan Waldschmidt continues to emerge as one of the franchise’s most exciting young talents. The rookie’s game-winning blast was only his second major league home run, but it immediately became one of the biggest moments of his young career.
Since making his MLB debut earlier this season, Waldschmidt has shown impressive power, athleticism, and confidence in pressure situations. His latest heroics further strengthened his growing reputation among Diamondbacks fans.
Edwin Díaz Endures Tough Night
Veteran closer Edwin Díaz entered the ninth inning looking to protect a one-run lead but instead suffered one of his toughest outings of the season. After issuing a leadoff walk, Díaz was unable to recover as Waldschmidt connected on a slider for the game-ending homer.
While one outing won’t define his season, the loss highlighted the recent bullpen struggles that have contributed to the Dodgers’ current skid.
Dodgers Score Recap
Final Score:
- Arizona Diamondbacks – 4
- Los Angeles Dodgers – 3
Key Performers
- Ryan Waldschmidt: Walk-off two-run home run
- Tommy Edman: Two hits, one RBI
- Andy Pages: Go-ahead home run in the eighth
- Edwin Díaz: Allowed walk-off homer in the ninth
- Merrill Kelly: 5.2 strong innings before exiting with leg cramps
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
The Los Angeles Dodgers will aim to end their losing streak in the remaining games of the series against Arizona. Despite the recent struggles, the club remains one of the National League’s strongest teams and will look to regain momentum before entering the final stretch of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks continue building confidence with another signature victory over their division rivals, fueled by the emergence of rookie Ryan Waldschmidt and timely late-game execution.
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