Dodgers win third straight, cruise past D-backs 6-3

PHOENIX (AP) — The Dodgers came into Chase Field on quite the high Thursday night, fresh off an emotional two-game sweep over the sign-stealing Houston Astros.

Three homers and another solid Ross Stripling start later, Los Angeles kept right on rolling in the desert.

A.J. Pollock hit a two-run homer, Corey Seager and Max Muncy added solo shots and the Dodgers rolled to their third straight win with a 6-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Even without the added motivation of facing the Astros — who beat Los Angeles in the 2017 World Series before the sign-stealing scandal was revealed — the Dodgers were impressively efficient.

“We prepare every night to win a game," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “The preparation never wavers.”

Los Angeles took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, largely thanks to a two-run homer by Pollock that landed deep in the left field seats. They probably would have had an even bigger lead if not for Kole Calhoun's spectacular diving catch in right field that robbed Justin Turner of an extra-base hit.

“All the stuff I had to go through to be able to play, now that we’re playing, I’m having fun being here,” said Pollock, who played for the D-backs earlier in his career.

Los Angeles stretched its lead to 4-0 after Seager's homer to right field. Ketel Marte pulled the D-backs within a 4-1 margin in the third with his first homer of the season but the Dodgers responded with runs in the fifth and sixth inning to build a comfortable lead.

Stripling (2-0) won his second game in two starts, pitching 5 1/3 innings while giving up three runs. Pedro Báez earned his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

“I don’t feel like I hit that lull today,” said Stripling, who has bounced between the rotation and bullpen...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Dodgers-win-third-straight-cruise-past-D-backs-15448034.php