Diamondbacks vs Dodgers: LA Rallies for 8-2 Opening Day Win as Three-Peat Quest Begins

(Diamondbacks vs Dodgers)

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers began their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive World Series title in dramatic fashion Thursday night, rallying from an early deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 53,712 at Dodger Stadium .

Andy Pages provided the spark with a go-ahead three-run homer in the fifth inning, and reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the win as the Dodgers opened the 2026 MLB season with a statement victory .

Game Summary: Dodgers 8, Diamondbacks 2

Source: AP News / NBC Sports

How It Happened: Early Arizona Lead, Dodgers’ Fifth-Inning Explosion

The game began as a pitcher’s duel between two aces. For the first four innings, Arizona’s Zac Gallen silenced the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup, allowing just one hit—a Shohei Ohtani single in the first inning—and one walk .

The Diamondbacks struck first in the top of the fourth. Corbin Carroll led off with an infield single, and Geraldo Perdomo followed by launching a 95.2 mph fastball from Yamamoto over the right-center field wall for a two-run homer . The 398-foot blast gave Arizona a 2-0 lead and silenced the capacity crowd.

But the Dodgers’ offense woke up in the bottom of the fifth. Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández opened the inning with back-to-back singles, putting runners on first and second with no outs . Then Pages stepped to the plate. Facing a 1-2 count, he turned on Gallen’s 81.8 mph knuckle curveball and blasted a 400-foot three-run homer to left-center field, putting Los Angeles ahead 3-2 .

The rally continued. Miguel Rojas singled, Ohtani walked to load the bases, and Freddie Freeman drew another walk to force in a run. Will Smith then added an infield single that scored Rojas, extending the lead to 4-2 .

The Dodgers added four more runs in the seventh inning off reliever Taylor Clarke. Kyle Tucker—making his Dodgers debut after signing a $240 million deal—doubled home Ohtani for his first RBI in Dodger blue . Mookie Betts followed with a run-scoring single, and Smith capped the scoring with a two-run homer to left-center field, making it 8-2 .

Key Performances

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) – W (1-0)

Yamamoto, last year’s World Series MVP, delivered a quality start in his first outing of the season . He threw the final pitch of the 2025 World Series and delivered the first pitch of the 2026 season—a fitting bookend for the Dodgers’ ace . He allowed just the two runs on Perdomo’s homer and did not walk a batter while striking out six .

Andy Pages (Dodgers) – Game-Changing Homer

Pages’ three-run shot in the fifth inning turned the game completely. It was his only hit of the night, but it proved to be the most important swing of the contest . He also made a spectacular defensive play in center field, diving to catch a fly ball from Perdomo leading off the seventh .

Will Smith (Dodgers) – 3 RBI Night

The Dodgers catcher went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, including the two-run blast in the seventh that sealed the victory .

Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks) – L (0-1)

Making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start for Arizona, Gallen was sharp through four innings before the Dodgers’ fifth-inning eruption . He allowed four runs on five hits and took the loss .

Geraldo Perdomo (Diamondbacks) – 2-Run Homer

Perdomo’s fourth-inning home run was the highlight of Arizona’s offense. He finished with two hits on the night .

Championship Celebration: Raising the Banner

Before the game, the Dodgers celebrated their 2025 World Series championship, raising a blue-and-white flag in center field . Players carried the past two World Series trophies onto the field, with Miguel Rojas and Freddie Freeman arriving in a convertible driven by actor Will Ferrell .

Shohei Ohtani caught a ceremonial first pitch from Magic Johnson, a member of the team’s ownership group . The Dodgers also debuted new championship gold jerseys and caps—gold trim outlines the team name, and the cap features a gold LA logo between two stars representing the team’s eighth and ninth world championships .

In a pregame gesture that has become tradition, Ohtani gifted his teammates with Grand Seiko watches, which typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, along with a note about the potential for a three-peat .

What’s Next: Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers Series Continues

The three-game series continues Friday night at Dodger Stadium, with the Dodgers receiving their World Series rings before the game .

Game 2 Matchup:

Source: AP News / Sporting News

How to Watch and Stream

First pitch for Thursday’s game was at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT . Friday’s game is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET .

Looking Ahead: The Three-Peat Chase

No team has won three consecutive World Series titles since the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000 . Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the weight of the pursuit while keeping the focus on the present.

“When I start thinking about stuff like that I get nervous,” Roberts said before the game .

After the victory, Roberts praised his team’s depth and talent, calling this squad the best he’s managed. “This team, as far as the talent, the complete buy-in, is the best team,” he said. “I just feel really confident with this team” .

The Dodgers’ lineup this season features a historic collection of talent: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker, who signed a $240 million deal . The addition of Tucker, along with closer Edwin Diaz, gives Los Angeles perhaps the most talented roster in baseball history .

Quick Facts: Diamondbacks vs Dodgers Opening Day 2026

Bottom Line

The Diamondbacks vs Dodgers Opening Day matchup delivered exactly what fans expected: a showcase of the Dodgers’ championship pedigree and depth. After falling behind early, Los Angeles responded with a five-run fifth inning that turned the game and set the tone for their three-peat pursuit .

Yamamoto looked every bit the ace, and the offense proved it can score in bunches even when stars like Ohtani and Betts are held in check. For Arizona, Gallen’s strong start unraveled quickly, but the Diamondbacks showed they can compete with the defending champs—at least for four innings .

The series continues Friday night, with the Dodgers receiving their World Series rings before first pitch.