On Thursday, there weren’t many runs, at least not until the ninth inning. In the top of the second, Craig Kimbrel has his most recent poor performance after allowing a go-ahead home run, but Reyes Moronta, an old friend, had it even worse and ended up losing. The Dodgers defeated the D-backs 3-2 to claim the series triumph and 104th victory of the year thanks to Mookie Betts’ walk-off single.
On a pitch that Cody Bellinger nearly topped his shoes with to the right field wall, Moronta gave up a double to begin the inning. With only one out, Moronta’s night was over after an intentional walk and an infield single loaded the bases.
Max Muncy scored the equalizer against Joe Mantiply with an infield single, and Justin Turner then struck out to open the door for pinch-hitter Betts.
Mookie Betts walked it off, Julio Urías bolstered his Cy Young case, and Craig Kimbrel might not pitch the ninth inning the next time you see him: https://t.co/zZWH1QEVaL
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) September 23, 2022
Although it should be noted that Betts previously had a walk-off fielder’s choice on July 6 to defeat the Rockies, this was his first walk-off hit as a Dodger.
That made a winner out of Craig Kimbrel, who in his most recent misadventure on the mound let up a go-ahead home run to Christian Walker in the top of the ninth inning.
On Thursday, Dodgers relievers met Arizona’s Zac Gallen, who had the finest pitching performance against the Dodgers all season. Gallen dismissed the first eight batters he faced, striking out six of them.