Will Smith's Birthday Blast Lifts Dodgers to Sweep of Diamondbacks

Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz earns second save as Los Angeles completes three-game series win over Arizona.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:13am

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Will Smith hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning on his 31st birthday to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, completing a three-game season-opening sweep for the Dodgers. Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz recorded his second save of the season, while Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow gave up two runs over six innings in his season debut.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' sweep of the Diamondbacks to start the season establishes them as an early favorite in the National League West, while the Diamondbacks' struggles to hold leads in all three games raise questions about their bullpen and ability to compete in the division.

The details

Will Smith's two-run homer in the eighth inning gave the Dodgers a 3-2 lead, which they held onto as closer Edwin Diaz recorded his second save. Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow allowed two runs over six innings, while Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez gave up one run in five innings in his first start since winning the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela.

  • Will Smith hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning on his 31st birthday.
  • Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz recorded his second save of the season.
  • Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow made his season debut, going six innings.
  • Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez made his first start since winning the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Will Smith

Dodgers catcher who hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning on his 31st birthday to lead the Dodgers to victory.

Edwin Diaz

Dodgers closer who recorded his second save of the season, retiring the side in order in the ninth inning.

Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers starting pitcher who allowed two runs over six innings in his season debut.

Eduardo Rodriguez

Diamondbacks starting pitcher who allowed one run over five innings in his first start since winning the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela.

Pavin Smith

Diamondbacks outfielder who had a two-out RBI single in the first inning.

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What they’re saying

“I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and put a good swing on it. Luckily, I was able to get it up in the air and it went out.”

— Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher

What’s next

The Dodgers will host the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, with Roki Sasaki making his season debut for Los Angeles. The Diamondbacks will have an off day before hosting the Detroit Tigers on Monday, with Michael Soroka making his franchise debut for Arizona against Justin Verlander.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' sweep of the Diamondbacks to open the season establishes them as an early favorite in the NL West, while the Diamondbacks' inability to hold leads in all three games raises concerns about their bullpen and ability to compete in the division this year.