Walker's double in 8th lifts Diamondbacks over Dodgers 5-3

PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Walker hit a three-run double in the eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks broke out of their offensive funk to rally past the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 Friday night.

“I know what this team has been going through and how hard they've been playing, so come through and be there for my teammates meant a lot to me," Walker said.

The Diamondbacks labored through the first seven innings, managing one run on five hits.

Trailing 3-2 in the eighth, Arizona loaded the bases against Blake Treinen (0-1) and Walker lined a double just past the outreached glove of center fielder Mookie Betts. David Peralta followed with a run-scoring single to make it 5-3.

Hector Rondon (1-0) got one out in the eighth for his first win with Arizona. Archie Bradley walked a batter and gave up a double to Betts in the ninth before getting Cody Bellinger to pop out for his second save in three chances.

The Diamondbacks entered the game 29th in the big leagues hitting .196 and had scored 20 runs the first seven games.

“I think everybody can feel the emotion of this win,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “I know the stadium is empty, but I think you all can understand the excitement we had when that ball landed and we took the lead.”

Betts hit his first homer with the Dodgers, had three hits, drove in two runs and made a sensational, long throw for an out at third. Corey Seager homered for the third straight game.

The Dodgers' bullpen had been one of the best in baseball early in the season, holding opponents to four earned runs in 35 1/3 innings. Walker's hit came after the Dodgers walked Eduardo Escobar to load the bases.

“For me, on the road, guy on second and third, open base, I just like the matchup against Walker,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Walker-s-double-in-8th-lifts-Diamondbacks-over-15450794.php