Muncy's 3 Homers Lift Dodgers After Diaz's Blown Save

Slugger's late heroics overcome closer's first stumble in LA

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:16am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the powerful swing and motion of a baseball player, with no identifiable faces or logos, conveying the intense emotion and energy of a dramatic comeback victory.A dramatic, high-energy illustration captures the explosive power of a Dodgers slugger's game-winning home run, overcoming their closer's earlier struggles.Los Angeles Today

In a dramatic comeback victory, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy hit three home runs, including a walk-off shot, to overcome closer Edwin Diaz's first blown save since joining the team in the offseason. Diaz had converted his first four save opportunities before allowing a three-run lead to slip away in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers.

Why it matters

The Dodgers made Diaz the highest-paid closer in MLB history this offseason, betting big on his ability to stabilize the back end of their bullpen. This early stumble, while not catastrophic, will raise questions about whether Diaz can consistently deliver on that investment and live up to his elite reputation.

The details

After the Dodgers built a 7-4 lead, Diaz immediately ran into trouble in the ninth, giving up a leadoff single, a two-run homer, and then the tying run on a pair of singles. But Muncy bailed him out, hitting his third homer of the game to win it in walk-off fashion. It was the second three-homer game of Muncy's career.

  • The Dodgers signed Diaz to a $69 million contract this past offseason.
  • Diaz had converted his first four save opportunities with the Dodgers in 2026 before this blown save.
  • Muncy's last three-homer game was on April 9, 2025.

The players

Max Muncy

A Dodgers first baseman who hit three home runs, including the game-winning shot, to overcome Diaz's blown save.

Edwin Diaz

The Dodgers' $69 million closer who blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning, his first blown save since joining the team.

Joc Pederson

A Rangers pinch-hitter whose leadoff single in the ninth inning sparked Diaz's blown save.

Evan Carter

A Rangers batter who hit a two-run homer in the ninth to cut the Dodgers' lead to one run.

Andy Pages

A Dodgers hitter who went 3-for-3 with a home run and walk, providing key offensive support.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to Diaz to bounce back in his next save opportunity, as they continue their quest for the best record in baseball.

The takeaway

This dramatic win showcases the Dodgers' offensive depth, as they were able to overcome their high-priced closer's first stumble of the season. However, Diaz's struggles will be closely watched, as the team's long-term bullpen stability remains a key factor in their championship aspirations.