D-backs get 16 hits, rout Dodgers 11-6, to take 3 of 4

By JACK THOMPSON
Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Josh Rojas had his second straight three-hit game, Pavin Smith drove in three runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks got 16 hits in an 11-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-6 on Sunday.

Every Arizona starter had at least one hit as the Diamondbacks followed a 12-run, 17-hit effort Saturday with another easy victory and took three out of four in the weekend series. Arizona is 5-3 against the Dodgers this season after Los Angeles went 38-10 against the Diamondbacks over the prior three seasons.

Arizona scored in each of the first five innings, helped by five stolen bases, including two from Nick Ahmed. The Diamondbacks also took extra bases on several hits — James Outman’s lobbed throw from center allowed Jake McCarthy to hustle into second with a double in the second inning, leading to Jose Herrera’s two-out RBI single.

“This is the first time I’ve ever played the Dodgers where it felt like they could feel the pressure,” Rojas said. “It wasn’t like we were smacking the ball all over the place. We were just finding holes, not striking out, putting the ball in play and then when we got on base, we were putting the pressure on.

“On defense they were talking about their shifts, where they’re playing, whether they’re in the right spot,” Rojas said. “We’ve been on the other side of it. It feels good to be on the right side of that this time.”

Ryne Nelson (1-0) gave up three runs and four hits in six innings of his second start this season. He worked through a shaky first inning and retired his last 11 batters.

“I worked through some stuff and settled in late,” Nelson said. “I went back to getting after them with the heater. It definitely makes it easy when the guys are putting up 11 runs.”

Michael Grove (0-1), making his eighth big league start, allowed nine runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander’s ERA in two starts this season ballooned from 6.75 to 14.73.

“We got beat in every facet,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Michael wasn’t sharp. They were on the fastball; they were on everything. They hit a lot of balls hard.”

J.D. Martinez had a triple and a double and drove in two runs for the Dodgers, who did not hit a home run for the first time this season.

Arizona took a 6-3 lead with a three-run third when Alek Thomas hit a tiebreaking single and Ahmed had a two-run single. Smith hit a two-run double in a three-run fourth that built a 9-3 advantage.

After Shelby Miller forced in a run in the fifth with a bases-loaded walk, plate umpire Lance Barrett ejected catcher Austin Barnes for arguing balls and strikes after Miller fell behind 2-0 on Corbin Carroll.

“He had some words with Lance. He was fighting for his pitchers, and so I respect that,” Roberts said. “But Austin knows he can’t get tossed in that situation.”

BACK IN THE LINEUP

Dodgers SS Miguel Rojas returned after missing five games with a groin strain and went 0 for 3 with a walk. Roberts, citing caution, said before the game that Rojas will sit out Monday’s game at San Francisco but is scheduled to play again on Tuesday.

D-BACKS DEALINGS

RHP Peter Solomon pitched the final two innings in his Arizona debut, allowing three runs, three hits and two walks. The 26-year-old, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Reno, had not appeared in the major leagues since six relief appearances for Houston in 2021. He replaced RHP Zach Davies, who was placed on the 15-day IL with a strained oblique. … The Diamondbacks acquired RHP José Ruiz from the Chicago White Sox for cash. The 28-year-old reliever, who pitched for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, will report for the next series against Milwaukee. He was designated for assignment on Friday after posting a 22.09 ERA in four games for the White Sox. … RHPs Mark Melancon and Cole Sulser, both dealing with strained pitching shoulders, were transferred to the 60-day injured list.

NEXT

Dodgers: Open a three-game series at San Francisco on Monday. LHP Julio Urías (2-0, 0.75) starts against RHP Logan Webb (0-2, 6.55).

Diamondbacks: Host Milwaukee in a three-game series beginning Monday night. RHP Zac Gallen (0-1, 7.59 ERA) starts against LHP Wade Miley (1-0, 0.00).

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