Deja vu all over again: D-backs blow early lead in loss to Dodgers

May 18, 2022, 4:13 PM | Updated: 6:10 pm

Pavin Smith #26 of the Arizona Diamondbacks strikes out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

BY JAKE ANDERSON

Arizona Sports

For the fourth consecutive game, the Arizona Diamondbacks blew an early lead to the Dodgers en route to a loss in Los Angeles.

After having a 2-1 lead after three innings of play, the D-backs failed to hold on en route to a 5-3 loss.

The Diamondbacks have now lost six straight games and are three games under .500 at a record of 18-21.

After giving up an RBI single to Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman that scored Mookie Betts in the first inning, the D-backs battled back to take the lead in the top of the third.

A fielder’s choice off the bat of Geraldo Perdomo in the second and a Pavin Smith RBI groundout to first gave Arizona starting pitcher Zach Davies a 2-1 lead.

However, a four-run fourth inning that was capped off by a three-run home run off the bat of Dodgers’ Justin Turner gave Los Angeles the five runs it needed to win the ballgame.

It also was enough for manager Torey Lovullo to pull Davies, who allowed five earned runs on seven hits (one HR) and no walks while striking out two on 77 pitches (44 strikes).

D-backs relievers Joe Mantiply, Ian Kennedy, Noe Ramirez and Mark Melancon combined for five scoreless innings in relief of Davies.

Smith brought in Daulton Varsho to score on an RBI single — his second of the game — in the top of the seventh to bring the Diamondbacks within two at 5-3.

But it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback, as Arizona finished the day with nine hits and three walks while stranding eight runners on base and going 2-for-11 (.182) with runners in scoring position.

UP NEXT

The D-backs travel to Chicago to begin a four-game series with the Cubs on Thursday at 4:40 p.m. on ESPN 620 AM or 98.7 FM HD-2.

Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen is scheduled to start against Cubs RHP Marcus Stroman.

Follow @jwa1994

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts, right, is congratulated by Trea Turner after scoring on a single by Freddie Freeman during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zach Davies throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner, right, hits a three-run home run as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Daulton Varsho, left, and home plate umpire Roberto Ortiz watch during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner, second from left, runs to first as he hits a three-run home run as Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zach Davies, left, watches along with catcher Daulton Varsho, right, and home plate umpire Roberto Ortiz during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner, right, hits a three-run home run as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Daulton Varsho watches during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner, center is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner, center is congratulated by Max Muncy after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner rounds first after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler, left, celebrates as the final out is made with the bases loaded as Arizona Diamondbacks' Christian Walker runs to first during the top of the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Daulton Varsho, right, is congratulated by Josh Rojas after scoring Pavin Smith grounded out during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy fields a ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Christian Walker before forcing Pavin Smith out at third during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler celebrates as the final out is made with the bases loaded during the top of the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Christian Walker breaks his bat as he pops out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Daulton Varsho, left, scores on a single by Pavin Smith as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith takes a late throw during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.