Diamondbacks Beat Declining Dodgers Behind A.J. Pollock’s Three Home Runs

The first month of the 2018 baseball season has not been kind to the defending National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers. On April 30th, it was revealed that shortstop Corey Seager would be lost for the rest of the season for Tommy John surgery. That same day, the club opened a four game series at first place Arizona. The Dodgers went into the game with a record of 12-15 while the Diamondbacks were 19-7 and in first place in the National League West. Los Angeles was in fourth in the West.

Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock has been red hot lately, and the April 30th game was his hottest performance yet. Pollock hit three solo home runs, his first career three homer game, as Arizona beat Los Angeles 8-5. The Diamondbacks became the first National League team to win 20 games this season.

Arizona is the only team taking control right now in the N.L. West, although we expect Colorado to get it in gear as the season progresses. The Rockies entered May with a 15-15 record. The Giants were 15-14 and should be better than last year’s nightmarish season, and the Dodgers have plenty of time and talent, even without Seager, to turn it around. But Arizona looks awfully good so far. One potential problem is injuries to starting pitchers. Right hander Taijuan Walker is out for the season for his own Tommy John surgery while left hander Robbie Ray is on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle.