​LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ildemaro Vargas contributed two hits, including a go-ahead single in the sixth inning, as the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied past Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 5-3 victory that completed a three-game sweep just before the All-Star break. Ohtani went 2-for-4, raising his season line to .293 with 22 home runs and 58 RBIs, while also collecting eight wins as a pitcher, posting a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts across 85 2/3 innings in 14 starts. The four-time MVP will skip Tuesday’s All-Star Game to have his left knee drained to ease persistent irritation.
Nolan Arenado contributed a run-scoring hit, and Arizona’s win extended its streak to four straight, marking their first road series sweep of the Dodgers since September 4–6, 2017. Ohtani also belted his ninth leadoff homer of the season, launching the first pitch from rookie Mitch Bratt, who started in place of Zac Gallen after he went on the injured list with elbow inflammation.
The Dodgers, who had entered the break with a league-best 61-36 record, began with a strong start as Tommy Edman delivered a two-run single in the third inning to push L.A. ahead 3-0. The Dodgers also endured a passed ball and two additional defensive miscues, part of a total of nine errors over the last five games. Arizona, meanwhile, improved to 49-47 and remained 11 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the standings.
Arenado’s RBI double and a sacrifice fly from Ryan Waldschmidt brought the Diamondbacks within a run at 3-2 in the fifth inning following an error by center fielder Andy Pages, who misplayed Tim Tawa’s fly ball at the wall while running in for the catch. The misplay helped Arizona turn a close game into a tighter contest as the Diamondbacks tried to claw back against the Dodgers.
In the sixth, Geraldo Perdomo drew a walk to lead off, then advanced to second on Eliezer Alfonzo’s passed ball and to third on Corbin Carroll’s flyout. Ourdes Gurriel Jr. grounded to third baseman Max Muncy, whose throw home intended for Perdomo hit him in the back and bounced away for an error, allowing Perdomo to reach third on the miscue. Vargas followed with a timely single off Edgardo Henriquez (4-1) to tie the game at 3-3 and set the stage for Arizona’s decisive inning.
Tawa added a little insurance with a solo homer in the ninth, his second of the series and third of the season, giving the Diamondbacks a bit more cushion. The Dodgers managed only a single run in the final frame and ultimately fell short.
Ryan Thompson (4-2) recorded three straight outs in the sixth, and Paul Sewald worked a flawless ninth for his 22nd save in 23 opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will open a three-game home series against St. Louis on Friday, while the Dodgers head to Yankee Stadium for a three-game set beginning on Friday.
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