Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers: Opening Day Recap
The Arizona Diamondbacks kicked off the 2026 MLB season with a tough matchup against the reigning World Series champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The D-backs seemed poised for an upset early on, but the Dodgers flexed their championship muscles to secure an 8-2 victory on Thursday night.
Arizona's offense had a challenging outing, managing just six hits. Geraldo Perdomo was a bright spot, contributing two hits, including a two-run homer in the fourth inning that gave fans a glimmer of hope.
However, the Dodgers, known for their late-game heroics, found their rhythm in the latter half of the contest. Andy Pages ignited the comeback with a three-run blast, and Will Smith added another homer to seal the deal.
Looking ahead, Game 2 of the series is set for Friday evening at the newly renamed UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. Ryne Nelson will take the mound for Arizona.
After starting last season in the bullpen, Nelson moved into the rotation due to Corbin Burnes' injury and impressed with a 3.5 bWAR over 33 appearances, 23 as a starter. He logged career highs with 154.0 innings, a 3.39 ERA, and 132 strikeouts.
For the Dodgers, Emmet Sheehan will be the starting pitcher. The 26-year-old right-hander made a remarkable return last year after missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. He posted a solid 2.82 ERA over 73.1 innings in 15 appearances, although his spring training performances left room for improvement.
The stage is set for an exciting continuation of this series, with both teams eager to showcase their talents and make an early statement this season.