Freeland Sparks Dodgers' Victory Over Diamondbacks

Outfielder's clutch hitting, defense help lift LA to 5-4 win

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:19am

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In the Dodgers' 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, outfielder Alex Freeland scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, jumpstarted the Dodgers' offense with a solo home run, and made a pair of standout defensive plays to throw out runners at home plate and third base.

Why it matters

Freeland's performance showcased why he earned a spot on the Dodgers' opening day roster, providing a spark with his bat and glove in a close game against a division rival.

The details

Freeland crushed an inside fastball over the right-field fence in the third inning to tie the game at 2-2, then later in the fourth inning, he teamed up with right fielder Kyle Tucker on a relay throw to cut down a Diamondbacks runner at home plate. In the eighth, Freeland's double set up the go-ahead run, and closer Edwin Díaz recorded the save in his Dodgers debut.

  • In the second inning, Freeland threw out a runner at home plate to end the inning.
  • Freeland hit a solo home run in the third inning to tie the game.
  • In the fourth inning, Freeland and Tucker combined on another relay throw to cut down a runner at third base.
  • Freeland doubled in the eighth inning to set up the go-ahead run.

The players

Alex Freeland

Dodgers outfielder who had a standout performance, scoring the go-ahead run, hitting a home run, and making two key defensive plays.

Kyle Tucker

Dodgers right fielder who teamed up with Freeland on two relay throws to cut down Diamondbacks runners at the plate and third base.

Emmet Sheehan

Dodgers starting pitcher who allowed four earned runs in 3.1 innings in his season debut.

Edwin Díaz

Dodgers closer who recorded the save in his debut with the team, with his entrance accompanied by a live trumpet performance.

Alex Vesia

Dodgers reliever who received a loud ovation as he returned to the mound for the first time since the death of his newborn daughter in October.

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What they’re saying

“Command hasn't been perfect with the bullpens, but it's coming around. And today it was another step in the right direction with the command. Velocity was fine, and execution was pretty good. Really I just wanted to feel good, and I did feel good. So, main objective cleared.”

— Brock Stewart, Dodgers pitcher

What’s next

Brock Stewart is scheduled to throw another live batting practice session on Tuesday in Phoenix and could begin a rehab assignment soon, which he expects to last at least two to three weeks.

The takeaway

Freeland's all-around performance in the Dodgers' win over the Diamondbacks demonstrated why he earned a spot on the opening day roster, providing a spark with his bat, glove, and hustle plays that proved crucial in a close divisional matchup.