Dodgers Open Season with Late Offensive Surge

World Series MVP Yamamoto settles in after early home run, as new faces contribute to victory

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2026 title defense with an 8-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. After falling behind 2-0 early, the Dodgers rallied with a four-run fifth inning capped by a three-run homer from Andy Pages. The team's offense continued to pour it on late, with new acquisition Kyle Tucker and catcher Will Smith delivering key hits. Starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto settled in after a rocky start to give the Dodgers six solid innings on the mound.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are chasing their 14th consecutive postseason appearance, which would tie the Atlanta Braves for the longest streak in MLB history. Nights like this, where the team overcomes an early deficit with a late offensive surge, are often how championship-caliber teams build those kinds of sustained runs of success.

The details

Geraldo Perdomo's two-run homer in the second inning put the Diamondbacks up 2-0, but Yamamoto settled in to retire nine straight batters after that. In the fifth, the Dodgers broke through with four runs, capped by Pages' three-run shot. Tucker and Smith added RBI hits later to extend the lead. The Dodgers' bullpen then slammed the door, allowing just one hit over the final three innings.

  • The Dodgers opened the 2026 season on Thursday, March 27.
  • Perdomo's two-run homer came in the second inning.

The players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The reigning World Series MVP, making his first Opening Day start for the Dodgers.

Geraldo Perdomo

The Diamondbacks' leadoff hitter, who launched a two-run homer in the second inning to give Arizona an early lead.

Andy Pages

The Dodgers' young outfielder, who crushed a three-run homer in the fifth inning to give Los Angeles the lead.

Kyle Tucker

The Dodgers' newly acquired outfielder, who drove in a run with a double in the seventh inning.

Will Smith

The Dodgers' catcher, who hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to extend the lead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I believe he made an error on the pitch... I was just waiting for it to do damage.”

— Andy Pages

“As long as we can be disciplined like we were tonight, we should have opportunities to put up big numbers.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

“Winning the very first game of the season, that was big for us. We just need to come together and keep going.”

— Yoshinobu Yamamoto

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue their series against the Diamondbacks on Friday, March 28, when they will hold a ring ceremony honoring their back-to-back championships.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to overcome an early deficit with a late offensive surge is a testament to the depth and talent of their lineup, which remains one of the most feared in baseball. This win sets the tone for their pursuit of a 14th straight postseason appearance, a feat that would tie the Atlanta Braves' MLB record.