Will Smith Hits Go-Ahead Birthday Blast for Dodgers

Catcher's two-run homer lifts LA to season-opening sweep of D-backs

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:49am

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In a celebratory night at Dodger Stadium, catcher Will Smith hit a go-ahead two-run home run on his 31st birthday to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Smith's blast in the eighth inning came on his bobblehead night, fittingly commemorating his heroics in last year's World Series Game 7 win.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' offense showed its resilience, coming from behind in all three games of the season-opening series against the D-backs. Smith's birthday heroics capped off the sweep and demonstrated the team's ability to deliver in clutch moments, a trait that will be crucial in their quest to return to the World Series.

The details

The Dodgers trailed 2-0 until the sixth inning, when Freddie Freeman doubled in a run to make it 2-1. In the eighth, with two outs and Mookie Betts on base, Smith crushed a 414-foot, 105.1 mph home run to straightaway center to give the Dodgers their first lead of the night. Closer Edwin Díaz then secured the victory with his second save.

  • The game was played on March 29, 2026, which was Will Smith's 31st birthday.
  • Smith's go-ahead home run came in the eighth inning.

The players

Will Smith

The Los Angeles Dodgers' 31-year-old catcher who hit the go-ahead two-run home run on his birthday.

Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers' first baseman who doubled in a run in the sixth inning to cut the D-backs' lead to 2-1.

Mookie Betts

The Dodgers' outfielder who was on base when Smith hit the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning.

Edwin Díaz

The Dodgers' closer who recorded his second save of the season to secure the victory.

Dave Roberts

The Dodgers' manager who described the team's offense as "relentless" on Opening Day.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face the San Francisco Giants in a three-game series beginning on March 31.

The takeaway

Will Smith's dramatic go-ahead home run on his birthday and bobblehead night showcased the Dodgers' resilience and ability to deliver in clutch moments, traits that will be crucial as they aim to return to the World Series.