Full Breakdown
Dodgers Hold Off Diamondbacks 6-5 Behind Ohtani’s Double and Triple
6/3/2026, 10:10:29 PM
Game Overview
On Tuesday night at Chase Field in Phoenix, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Arizona Diamondbacks 6–5. Shohei Ohtani opened with a double and later delivered a two-run triple; Freddie Freeman added a two-run homer in the first. The Dodgers stretched the lead to 6–2 before the Diamondbacks rallied with a two-run double by Nolan Arenado and a walk-in run by Pavin Smith. Reliever Tanner Scott closed the ninth, preserving the margin.
Recent Form and Ohtani’s Hot Streak
Ohtani entered the contest on a nine-game hitting streak, posting a .462 average (12-for-26) over his last six games, including seven doubles, two triples, three homers, 16 RBIs and 12 runs in the preceding 17 games. The Dodgers have won 15 of their last 19 outings, a run that coincides with Ohtani’s resurgence after a slump that saw his average dip to .240 in mid-May.
Key Performers
Freddie Freeman contributed his ninth season homer and a three-hit night, raising his recent line to five homers and 12 RBIs in 13 games (.348 average). Starting pitcher Eric Lauer (4 2/3 IP) limited Arizona to two runs, while right-hander Michael Soroka settled after a shaky start, allowing four runs over six innings. Arizona’s Corbin Carroll hit a solo homer, and Nolan Arenado delivered a two-run double that narrowed the gap.
Statistical Highlights
- Dodgers: 6 runs, 9 hits, 2 walks; Ohtani (5-2, 0.82 ERA) slated to pitch next start.
- Freeman: 9th homer of the season, 5 HR in last 13 games, 12 RBIs.
- Ohtani: 12-for-26 (.462) in last six games, 7 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR in past 17 games.
- Lauer: 6.69 ERA with Dodgers, 3 runs in 10 1/3 IP overall.
- Diamondbacks: .281 batting average vs left-handed pitching, second-best slugging (.486) and OPS (.795) against lefties league-wide.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s hot streak, noting it “makes life a lot easier for everyone else” and likened Lauer’s recent work to that of former pitcher Tyler Anderson. Lauer said his recent outings reflect adjustments made after being designated for assignment, emphasizing improved pitch execution. Both comments highlighted the team’s confidence in sustaining offensive momentum while fine-tuning the rotation.
Diamondbacks’ Perspective
Arizona entered the game with the league’s highest batting average against left-handed pitchers and sought to exploit that advantage. The D-backs generated 11 hits, six walks and only four strikeouts, but late-inning bullpen lapses—particularly from Kyle Hurt and Will Klein—prevented a comeback. Their effort underscored a persistent challenge: converting sustained offense into decisive runs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the bullpen’s overall performance: some describe it as “bumpy” and “wild,” while others emphasize its ability to “hold on” and secure the win. No direct commentary from Diamondbacks’ coaching staff is provided, leaving their assessment of the loss undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That’s why we’ve been winning a lot. When you have the greatest player of all time playing this game on your team, and he’s hot like he is right now, it’s fun to watch, fun to be a part of,” — Freddie Freeman, first baseman
- “It seems like every single time he’s creating havoc on the bases, extra-base hits.” — Freddie Freeman, first baseman
- “I think overall it’s stuff that I kind of had been working on. It was just, when I was DFA’d, I think I was on my way to making these adjustments, and I was kind of getting to them,” — Eric Lauer, pitcher
- “I couldn’t be more pleased,” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “I think specifically to Kyle I thought he was being a little too fine with the fastball, just missing off.” — Dave Roberts, manager
Looking Ahead
Shohei Ohtani is slated to start on the mound the following night against Arizona’s Zac Gallen, while the Diamondbacks will counter with right-hander Zac Gallen (3-4, 5.16 ERA). Both clubs aim to build on Tuesday’s outcomes as the National League West race tightens.
