Dodgers Shut Out Diamondbacks 8-0, Strengthen Playoff Position
PHOENIX – The Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a dominant 8-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 25, 2024, bolstering their position in the National League playoff race. A powerful offensive display, coupled with stellar pitching, secured the Dodgers’ 10th shutout of the season and dealt a notable blow to Arizona’s wild card hopes.
The win moves the Dodgers (81-77) one game ahead of the New York Mets (81-77) for the final NL wild card spot and within one game of the Cincinnati Reds (81-78).Arizona, now facing a critical stretch, will head to San Diego for a three-game series needing to regain momentum. The Dodgers’ continued success, meanwhile, underscores their strength within the NL west, where they boast a 36-16 record.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six strong innings, allowing just four hits and recording seven strikeouts to reach 201 for the season. His ERA of 2.49 ranks second in the National League, trailing onyl Paul Skenes of Pittsburgh (1.97). The Dodgers’ pitching staff then turned in a combined five-hitter, completing the shutout.
The offensive surge began in the second inning with back-to-back home runs from Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages, off Arizona starters Jalen Beeks (5-3) and Nabil Crismatt, respectively. Mookie Betts followed with a two-run single, extending the lead to 4-0. Freeman, driving in three runs, now has 23 home runs on the season, while Pages has 27.
A key moment came promptly after Shohei ohtani struck out with the bases loaded in the second. Mookie Betts capitalized,lining Crismatt’s first pitch for a crucial two-run single.
The Diamondbacks finished with a 43-38 record at Chase Field,drawing a crowd of 34,952 that brought total home attendance to 2,393,773 – their highest since 2008.
Looking Ahead: The Dodgers will send RHP Emmet Sheehan (6-3, 2.86) to the mound Friday at Seattle. The Diamondbacks will counter with RHP Zac Gallen (13-14, 4.70) as they begin a crucial series against the San Diego Padres, who will start RHP Yu Darvish (4-5, 5.51).
