The Dodgers’ Justin Turner singles during the fourth inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Turner had three of the Dodgers’ 14 hits in a 5-3 win that completed an unbeaten six-game homestand. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the plate during the first inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias of the Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Trea Turner #6, left, along with teammate Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers wearing number 21 in honor of Roberto Clemente against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly throws to the plate during the first inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Trea Turner #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Trea Turner of the Dodgers against the Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shouts toward home plate during the first inning of Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Roberts and the Dodger coaching staff shouldn’t have many tough decisions to make regarding the postseason roster next month. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Young of the Arizona Diamondbacks tags out Max Muncy of the Dodgers at second base during the third inning of Wednesday night’s game at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers second baseman Trea Turner throws to first base to force out the Diamondbacks’ Nick Ahmed during the third inning of Wednesday’s game at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts reacts to a pitch during the third inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Diamondbacks’ Josh Rojas rounds third base and scores on a double by teammate Henry Ramos (not pictured) during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias of the Dodgers reacts after a giving up a two-run double to Henry Ramos (not pictured of the Diamondbacks in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Shortstop Corey Seager of the Dodgers forces out Christian Walker of the Diamondbacks at second base in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager makes a throw over second baseman Trea Turner while trying to turn a double play during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner singles during the fourth inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Turner had three of the Dodgers’ 14 hits in a 5-3 win that completed an unbeaten six-game homestand. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Will Smith of the Dodgers doubles against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith doubles during the fourth inning of a game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Will Smith of the Dodgers doubles against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gavin Lux of the Dodgers RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gavin Lux of the Dodgers hits an RBI single during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith smiles as he high-fives teammates after scoring on a single by teammate Gavin Lux (not pictured) during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger hits an RBI single during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner (wearing No. 21 in honor of Roberto Clemente) scores a run during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger, right, celebrates his RBI single to score Justin Turner (wearing No. 21 in honor of Roberto Clemente), during the fourth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Left fielder Henry Ramos of the Diamondbacks leaps for a catch on a drive by Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Left fielder Henry Ramos of the Diamondbacks leaps for a catch on a drive by Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Left fielder Henry Ramos of the Diamondbacks leaps for a catch on a drive by Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Left fielder Henry Ramos of the Diamondbacks leaps for a catch on a drive by Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly reacts as left fielder Henry Ramos leaps for a catch on a drive by Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Max Scherzer of the Dodgers looks on against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Max Muncy of the Dodgers against the Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy runs the bases past Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly after his solo home run during the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates his solo home run during the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Trea Turner, right, congratulates Max Muncy after he hit a home run during the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy returns to the dugout after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner singles during the fifth inning of a game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers wearing number 21 in honor of Roberto Clemente against the Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Phil Bickford #52 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Phil Bickford #52 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers can’t reach a solo home run by Christian Walker (not pictured) of the Diamondbacks in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers watches a solo home run from Christian Walker of the Diamondbacks during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Christian Walker of the Diamondbacks reacts after a hitting a solo home run against the Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matt Beaty of the Dodgers is hit by a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning of Wednesday night’s game at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia throws to the plate during the seventh inning of a game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Relief pitcher Alex Vesia #51 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Blake Treinen #49 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Blake Treinen #49 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Blake Treinen #49 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts doubles during the eighth inning of a game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Mookie Betts of the Dodgers against the Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mookie Betts of the Dodgers steals third base against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of Wednesday night’s game at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Albert Pujols #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers wearing number 21 in honor of Roberto Clemente against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Kenley Jansen #74 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Kenley Jansen #74 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, and relief pitcher Kenley Jansen celebrate a 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers celebrate after a 5-3 victory over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, center, celebrates a 5-3 victory over the Diamondbacks with Max Muncy, left, and Kenley Jansen on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela is honoree on his bobblehead night prior to a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela is honored on his bobblehead night prior to a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Dodgers scout Mike Brito, left with Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela is honored on his bobblehead night prior to a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Actor Edward James Olmos talks about former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela who was honored on his bobblehead night prior to a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Three fans ran onto the field at the same time carrying banners with the names of the neighborhoods that were affected by the Dodgers moving into Chavez Ravine during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Three fans ran onto the field at the same time carrying banners with the names of the neighborhoods that were affected by the Dodgers moving into Chavez Ravine during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Three fans ran onto the field at the same time carrying banners with the names of the neighborhoods that were affected by the Dodgers moving into Chavez Ravine during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Three fans ran onto the field at the same time carrying banners with the names of the neighborhoods that were affected by the Dodgers moving into Chavez Ravine during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES ― Trea Turner hit an unremarkable ground ball to the right side of second base in the sixth inning Wednesday night. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ second baseman, Andrew Young, fielded the ball and threw it to first base in a fluid motion. The throw was true.
Unfortunately for the Diamondbacks, no body in motion is more fluid than Turner sprinting on a baseball diamond. He beat the throw, Matt Beaty scampered home from third base, and the Dodgers eked out their final run in a 5-3 victory before an announced crowd of 46,520 at Dodger Stadium.
The win allowed the Dodgers to sweep the series, and win every game on a six-game homestand against a pair of National League West rivals.
For the first time in 11 days, it allowed them to gain a game on the San Francisco Giants, who lost to the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers (94-53) trail the Giants (95-51) by 1½ games for first place in the National League West with 15 games remaining in the regular season.
The Dodgers have an off-day Thursday, while the Giants and Padres play in San Francisco.
“Knowing that the Giants have been playing unbelievable baseball this whole season, we’ve just got to take care of us,” Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen said. “Take care of us, good things are going to happen. When we do that, ain’t nobody better than us in this league.”
The most encouraging development for the Dodgers, aside from the wins themselves, were the signs of life that emerged from their offense as the homestand drew to a close.
By Saturday, their collective on-base percentage had fallen to .327. The back half of their lineup was the weakest in baseball, at least since the All-Star break.
Whether by land (Turner also stole a base Wednesday, his league-leading 29th of the season) or by air (Max Muncy homered for the second consecutive day), the Dodgers discovered a variety of ways to manufacture runs.
The bottom of the lineup contributed plenty.
No. 8 hitter Gavin Lux went 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI singles. He is hitting 7 for 17 (.412) since being recalled from Triple-A to play left field. No. 7 hitter Cody Bellinger contributed a single and an RBI groundout and reached base for the fourth consecutive game – his longest such streak in a month.
No. 6 hitter Will Smith went 2 for 3 with a double. No. 5 hitter Justin Turner went 3 for 4. The Dodgers’ 14 hits were their most in a game since Aug. 15.
“I think that guys like Justin, Max are all coming back to life,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “Cody and Gavin at the middle to the bottom part of the order have been huge. We talked about the length of the lineup, being productive down there, and they’ve done some really good things to help collectively this offense.”
Dodgers starter Julio Urías did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. Then a walk and a rare stolen base – only the second he’s allowed this season – set up Henry Ramos for a two-run single that briefly gave Arizona a 2-1 lead.
The Dodgers got the runs back in the bottom of the fourth, on an RBI groundout by Bellinger followed by a Lux single.
Muncy’s home run, a solo shot against Merrill Kelly (7-10) in the fifth inning, was his 34th of the season.
Urías (18-3) has won his last five starts and leads the majors in victories. He walked two batters and struck out five in five innings. Coincidentally, he got the start on the day countryman Fernando Valenzuela was feted on the 40th anniversary of his rookie season.
“It was a really beautiful night,” Urías said through an interpreter. “When I started warming up you could hear the mariachi playing in the background. You could hear the excitement of the crowd. It was a very emotional night for Fernando and his family. It was very nice for me to pitch tonight.”
In spite of the results, Urías said he felt out of rhythm from the outset. His velocity wavered. Roberts remarked that the left-hander was “fighting his delivery.” So he pulled the pitcher with the Dodgers leading 4-2 and let the bullpen do the rest.
Arizona got its only run against the Dodgers’ bullpen when Christian Walker took Phil Bickford deep in the sixth inning. Alex Vesia, Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen and Jansen closed the door on the Dodgers’ penultimate homestand of the season. Jansen struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his 33rd save of the season.
Before concluding with three games in Arizona, the Dodgers’ final road trip of the regular season will take them to Cincinnati, where the Reds are fighting for a wild card berth, and Denver, where the Rockies have been dominant. Routine ground balls again figure to be outs, not hits.
“The main thing is, we’re playing really good baseball overall,” Roberts said. “To come away winning every game this homestand is pretty impressive. Still a lot of good baseball left to be had.”
