(East Los Angeles, CA) May 17, 2022 [Special From The Editor’s Desk]: We give our followers a quick update on the recent 4 game series played against the Philadelphia Phillies and conclude with a “wrap-up” of the series Game 1 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks.

**[Philadelphia Phillies 4 Game  Series Summary]

Thurs. (Game #1): (L) [9-7] The Dodgers appeared to be in a minor slump against the Phillies, 6-4 right-handed starting pitcher, Zack Wheeler and didn’t have many productive at bats or that many baserunners for the first 6 innings. Meanwhile, the Phillies were in a groove and managed to put up ( 7) runs through the first 6 innings while holding the Dodgers to just (3). The visitors added a pair more in the 9th after the Big Blue put up (4) in their half of the 8th to narrow the big gap. But it wouldn’t be quite enough as the Phillies bullpen did its work to notch the victory. Releiver, Daniel Hudson, now with a (1-3) took the loss and Bellatti was credited with his first win. 

Friday, (Game #2): (L) [12-10]  This was a great extra-inning “slugfest” game with each team taking their best whacks on the ball while producing lots of singles, doubles, and Home runs. The Dodger bats awakened early and at the end of (6), they trailed (8-7). Remember that Bryce Harper, one of the best power hitters in baseball proved to be the biggest thorn in the Dodgers side for most of the series. At the end of the 9th, the teams were tied at (9) each, but in the 10th, the Phillies exploded for (3), moving the score to (12-9). In their final at bats, the Dodgers could only muster one run. The final was (12-10) Phillies in (10). Harper went (3-4), with 2 doubles and 1 HR. Brusdar Graterol, now (0-2), took the loss and Jeurys Familia got his first win.

Saturday, (Game #3): (L) [8-3] Not even the presence of one of the tried and trusted Dodgers “aces,” Julio Urías was able to sidetrack the Phillies hitters in this match-up. He basically appeared to be “off-form” and struggling to find his rhythm and good control as they pounded him for 6 runs in 3 innings on 2 HRs/2 doubles and a huge lead for their starting pitcher. The Phillies banged out 10 hits and basically it was a four inning game with the score reading (8-3). There would be just plain old “shut-out” baseball after that. Urías went 6 innings allowing 8 runs on 8 hits with 4 home runs and is now (2-3). Again, Harper was swinging the “hot bat” as he homered and had another double to his credit. Ranger Suárez got the win (4-1).

Sunday, (Game 4): (W) [5-4]. The team fell behind at the start of the game and trailed (4-0) by the end of the 4th inning. Then, slowly but surely, the Big Blue focused on chipping away at the lead. They scored once in the 3rd, 4th, and the 8th for their first 3 runs. Then, trialing by (4-3), and with 2-out in the bottom of the 9th, the heavy lumber awakened in the capable hands of Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor, and then Gavin Lux, who went from the probable “goat” for committing the error that led to the Phillies (4) runs in the 2nd. But, from the “Blue Heaven On Earth” location in the Centerfield Pavilion, and where we all can find the Tommy Lasorda giant figurine, the Dodgers Legend, somehow managed to shine his good fortune and belief in his Club to help pull out the desperately needed “WIN.” This time Lux ended the game as the “Hero” as he drove in the winning Belling and Taylor with a 2-run double to the right field corner for the final (5-4) victory. Shane Greene picked up the victory in relief and notched his first win of the season. 

(Now Up): The Arizona Diamondbacks started with their Game #1 last night, 5/16, and is followed by today’s Historic Day/Night “Doubleheader” on the most unique promotional day in the Club’s history, Mexican Heritage Day. Capping off the eight game homestand, is the customary “getaway” game on Wednesday, 5/18 with the first pitch set for 1:30 pm

**{Recap of  Game #1 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 5/16 (W) [5-4]: The Dodgers bats remained active and strongly alive on this day as they rallied from a (2-0) deficit at the end of the 4th inning to comeback with (3) in the 5th and 2 more in the 6th, giving them a (5-2) lead. The 7th and 8th were quiet, for both teams, but in the 9th, the Phillies could put up only 2 runs ending it at (5-4). The Dodgers put out that fire quickly to win the series opener. The Big Blue played with vigor, zest, and just plain good baseball fundamentals along with excellent managing by Dave Roberts, clearly showing all of their 42,650 fans in attendance, the Dodgers longtime winning trademark, and highly competitive attitude. The winning pitcher was Tony Gonsolin, now (4-0), while reliever, Craig Kimbrel got his 6th Save. Chris Taylor, HR/Double and Freddie Freeman (2-4) both had good eyes on the ball and powered the team to their 22nd win.

(Final Score): [22-12] Dodgers 5    [18-18] Diamondbacks 4

(Attendance):  42,650

(Today’s Games): Diamondbacks, Mexican Heritage Day/Night Doubleheader with Game #1’s first pitch scheduled for 12:10 pm. Game #2 will start at 7:10 pm. The Stadium will be cleared for this nightcap.