Ryne Nelson’s strong start leads D-backs to shutout of Dodgers

For the first time since early April 2018, the Arizona Diamondbacks have beaten the Dodgers in a three-game series in Los Angeles.

Additionally, the D-backs’ depleted pitching staff shut out the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium for the first time since September 2017. Fans might remember that game, where J.D. Martinez hit four home runs, leading Arizona to a 13-0 win.

In tonight’s 6-0 victory, the Diamondbacks employed a similar strategy as in the series opener. Torey Lovullo opted to start with a lefty reliever to face the Dodgers’ formidable 1-2-3 lineup of Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman.

Brandon Hughes, called up from the minors just before the game, was tasked with facing the trio of MVPs. After securing two outs, Hughes’ job was done, and Ryne Nelson, the expected starter, took over.

Nelson, despite early-season struggles, delivered arguably the best game of his young career. He did not allow a run over five innings, expertly navigating several high-pressure situations, including stranding runners in scoring position in the 4th inning and leaving runners on the corners in the 5th.

This strong pitching performance gave the Diamondbacks’ offense time to find their rhythm. They broke through in the 5th inning with a three-run surge. Corbin Carroll initiated the scoring with a two-run triple and later scored on a wild pitch.