The back-to-back World Champion Dodgers are back in action. Last season the Dodgers conquered the baseball world by winning one of the most thrilling World Series in MLB history. The boys in blue slugged three home runs in the final four innings (aided by several tremendous defensive plays and a dominant Yamamoto) to come from behind and defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in game 7. The win officially ushered in the start of a Dodger’s dynasty as they shoved the golden era down baseball’s throats. Dodgers fans starved for championships after a 32-year drought was finally broken after the 2020 championship (Don’t forget about 2020!) stormed the streets of Los Angeles for the second straight season celebrating another beautiful World Series parade. It was the stuff of ages.
Now the Dodgers begin a whole new campaign as they start their quest for a three-peat. This afternoon they opened their regular season with an impressive 8-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. There were a couple of surprises on the Dodger’s opening day roster. Utility infielder Santiago Espinal, who had an impressive spring got the nod over Hyeseong Kim who was optioned to Oklahoma City. With Tommy Edman still nursing an ankle injury, he should see a few reps in the opening month of the season. Top prospect Alex Freeland made the roster as well and figures to be the Dodgers starting second baseman for the immediate future.
The Dodger’s new look lineup delivered tonight. With newly acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker batting second behind Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts pushed down to the number three spot. Freddie Freeman is now batting cleanup with Will Smith, Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernandez batting behind him. World Series game 7 hero Miguel Rojas (who has already announced his retirement at the end of the season) played second tonight and batted ninth. The Dodgers looked like their old selves, but it took a while to show up.
Six strikeouts from Yoshinobu! #OpeningDayLA pic.twitter.com/rAdkfyOpbt
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 27, 2026
That’s because opposing starter Zac Gallen was pitching pretty well. As a matter of fact, the Dbacks were leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth after shortstop Geraldo Perdomo’s two-run home run in the top of the fourth off of Dodger’s starter and World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Japanese right hander would settle down, allowing just the two earned runs on five hits across six innings. He struck out six, and did not walk anyone.
But the big blow came in the bottom of the fifth. That’s when Gallen started to lose effectiveness and the Arizona bullpen, one of the worst in MLB last year gave up four additional runs over the last four innings.
In that fifth frame, Muncy and Teo singled and Andy Pages crushed a three-run home run over the center field wall to put the Dodgers ahead 3-2. Page was 2 for 4 with 3 runs driven in and a run scored.
The Dodgers padded their lead when Rojas singled, Ohtani walked, and after Gallen was hooked, Freddie walked with two outs to load the bases. Will Smith knocked in another run on a slicing grounder that old man and former Dodger Carlos Santana could not handle.
Andy for the lead! pic.twitter.com/uUhvg76ish
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 27, 2026
From Game 7 of the World Series to Game 1 of the 2026 season. Hello, Will Smith! pic.twitter.com/ocnlxyzMHB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 27, 2026
The Dodgers scored four more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning off of the Arizona bullpen. The inning was highlighted by an RBI double by Kyle Tucker, and RBI single from Mookie Betts, and a two-run home run from Smith. The Dodger’s bullpen would handle the final three innings with ease to secure the 8-2 win. Relievers Blake Treinen, bearded wonder Will Klein, and Tanner Scott tossed three scoreless frames to end the game. The Dodgers did what they usually do, they wait you out, get to your bullpen, and score late.
The Dodgers raised the championship banner, and brought in the World Series trophy from their 2025 title. The ring ceremony is tomorrow. The series continues with Ryne Nelson countering Emmet Sheehan. Let’s three-peat baby!
