With the Arizona Diamondbacks trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday, Max Kepler drew a leadoff walk against Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz. Jorge Barrosa entered as a pinch runner before Tim Tawa struck out for the first out. Barrosa then stole second, setting the stage for Ryan Waldschmidt‘s walk-off blast.
The rookie proceeded to drive a hanging slider 411 feet to left-center field. The ball cleared the wall just to the left of the overhang, giving the Diamondbacks a dramatic comeback victory in front of a packed crowd.
The home run was Waldschmidt’s second in the majors and his first walk-off hit. The Diamondbacks promoted their former No. 1 prospect in May, and Friday’s swing provided his most memorable moment since reaching the majors.
Ryan Waldschmidt extends Diamondbacks’ recent dominance over Dodgers
The Dodgers had erased an early 2-0 deficit before Andy Pages hit a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning. Arizona missed an opportunity to answer in the bottom half when Nolan Arenado struck out with the bases loaded, but Waldschmidt ensured the failed rally did not decide the game.
His blast marked the second consecutive meeting between the clubs at Chase Field to end on an Arizona walk-off homer. Ketel Marte delivered the winner in their June 4 matchup. The Diamondbacks have now defeated the Dodgers five straight times after sweeping LA immediately before the All-Star break.
Los Angeles has now dropped seven straight.
Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly held the Dodgers hitless through five innings before allowing his first hit in the sixth. He departed later in the inning with a right leg cramp after allowing two hits and issuing two walks.
Leg cramping has previously affected Kelly, although the Diamondbacks have not indicated that Friday’s issue is serious.
Arenado opened the scoring with a solo home run, Geraldo Perdomo added an RBI triple and Corbin Carroll preserved the early advantage by robbing Tommy Edman of a home run. Those plays kept Arizona close enough for Waldschmidt to complete the comeback with one swing.