Dodgers News: Bullpen Shines in Narrow Victory Over Diamondbacks

The Dodgers' bullpen delivered a crucial performance in a tight 10-9 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks after starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw left the game early due to a toe injury.

Kershaw managed just one inning, giving up three hits and three earned runs before exiting with a bone spur.

With Kershaw sidelined, the Dodgers relied on seven relievers to secure the win.

Joe Kelly was the first to step in, followed by Alex Vesia, Ryan Brasier, Michael Kopech, Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen, and Anthony Banda, each contributing at least one inning of work.

Vesia was pumped after the game with the performance he saw from the bullpen. "We have some absolute dogs in our bullpen, circumstances like this is when it comes out," via Jack Harris of the LA Times .

While the bullpen faced challenges—Kelly struggled initially, allowing two earned runs and two walks in 1.2 innings, and Banda gave up four earned runs in the ninth—the other relievers held the Diamondbacks scoreless, helping to maintain the lead.

Despite the shaky moments, the bullpen's ability to step up was key to the Dodgers' success. Kershaw acknowledged the effort of his teammates, noting the difficulty of having them cover eight innings.

“I put the team in a really tough spot, having the bullpen cover eight innings,” Kershaw said. “But the team did amazing, they battled and grinded. And the bullpen is hanging after today, and I’m disappointed that I was the culprit of that, but they did an unbelievable job.”

The win was a collective effort, with notable contributions from the lineup as well. First baseman Freddie Freeman, returning from injury, hit a critical home run, and eight of the ten Dodgers in the lineup recorded at least one hit or run.

Both Freeman and Will Smith finished with three RBIs, helping the team outlast the Diamondbacks.

With Kershaw's early exit and ongoing injuries to other pitchers, the Dodgers have leaned heavily on their bullpen this week. The relievers have risen to the occasion, allowing the team to secure three consecutive wins.