Will Smith hits go-ahead HR on birthday, Dodgers sweep D-Backs

Dodgers catcher delivers clutch home run to complete season-opening sweep

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:38am

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On his 31st birthday and bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a go-ahead home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the Dodgers to a 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, completing a season-opening sweep.

Why it matters

Smith's heroics on his birthday and bobblehead night showcase his ability to deliver in big moments for the Dodgers, who are looking to build on their success from the 2025 season that saw them win the World Series.

The details

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Smith turned on a 98-mph fastball and drove it to center field for a no-doubt, go-ahead home run. The Dodgers' bullpen, led by closer Edwin Díaz, then shut down the Diamondbacks in the ninth to preserve the win. Earlier, Freddie Freeman's RBI double in the sixth inning had kept the Dodgers in the game.

  • On March 29, 2026, Will Smith hit the go-ahead home run on his 31st birthday.
  • The Dodgers were hosting a Will Smith bobblehead giveaway night at Dodger Stadium.

The players

Will Smith

The 31-year-old catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his clutch hitting and ability to deliver in big moments for the team.

Freddie Freeman

The veteran first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who sparked the team's offense with an RBI double in the sixth inning.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who initially planned to give Smith the night off but left him in the lineup, a decision that paid off with Smith's game-winning home run.

Tyler Glasnow

The Dodgers' starting pitcher, who went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six.

Edwin Díaz

The Dodgers' closer, who recorded his second save of the season and continued the team's dominant bullpen performance to start the year.

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What they’re saying

“Late in innings we never feel like we're out of the game; it always feels like someone is gonna come up with a big hit.”

— Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher

“When you talk about big hits, clutch, you know Will is at the top of the list.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“It's fun. You dream of those situations. I just feel prepared, feel calm, feel under control, not trying to do too much.”

— Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their hot start to the season as they face the San Diego Padres in a three-game series starting on March 31.

The takeaway

Will Smith's clutch home run on his birthday and bobblehead night showcases his ability to deliver in big moments for the Dodgers, who are poised for another successful season with a dominant bullpen and timely hitting from their star players.