The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 2025, with standout pitching and key hits.

On the evening of May 20, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. The game was a classic display of baseball where both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but the Dodgers’ well-rounded performance—highlighted by standout pitching and timely hitting—was enough to edge out the Diamondbacks in a competitive matchup. With both teams hungry for a win, the Dodgers’ victory not only bolstered their standing in the National League but also offered a glimpse of their championship potential as they continue to climb the ranks in 2025.

Pre-Game Atmosphere and Anticipation

The evening at Dodger Stadium was charged with energy, as fans filled the stands, eager to see their team extend its winning streak. The Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their deep roster and consistent excellence, were facing off against a dangerous Arizona Diamondbacks squad, which has surprised many with its rising talent. The Diamondbacks, with their mix of youth and experience, have proven to be a formidable opponent this season. With both teams positioning themselves for a strong playoff push, this game had extra significance.

The starting pitchers for the night were a major point of discussion leading up to the game. For the Dodgers, Roki Sasaki, the highly touted rookie from Japan, took the mound. Sasaki had been growing into his role as a major league pitcher, but this start would be another step toward solidifying his place as a cornerstone in the Dodgers’ rotation. The Diamondbacks countered with their ace, Zac Gallen, a pitcher known for his precision and ability to shut down high-powered lineups. With both starters capable of dominating the game, fans were in for a battle on the mound.

Early Innings: Sasaki and Gallen Exchange Dominance

The game started with both starting pitchers looking sharp. Roki Sasaki was electric in the early innings, commanding his fastball and slider with precision. His fastball, clocking in at 100 mph, was humming, while his slider had the sharp break that kept Diamondbacks hitters off balance. Despite allowing a leadoff single to Arizona’s Ketel Marte, Sasaki quickly settled in. He got Corbin Carroll to ground out, followed by a strikeout of Christian Walker, and finished the inning with a flyout to center field. The Dodgers’ defense played flawlessly behind him, particularly Mookie Betts, who made a stellar catch in right field to end the inning.

On the flip side, Zac Gallen, as expected, was equally impressive. His ability to mix pitches and command the strike zone forced Dodgers hitters to be patient. Gallen had a particularly effective curveball, which he used to freeze hitters early in the count. The Dodgers’ offense, however, wasn’t fazed. Freddie Freeman, who has been a consistent force for the Dodgers all season, came up with two outs in the first inning but struck out looking after a long at-bat against Gallen. The Diamondbacks’ starter showed why he’s considered one of the league’s best, but the Dodgers were starting to work his pitch count early.

The second inning was a quiet one for both teams, as Sasaki and Gallen each faced the minimum number of batters, keeping the game scoreless. Fans were beginning to feel the intensity building, knowing that this would likely be a low-scoring affair given the caliber of pitching on display. The tension was palpable, and with each passing inning, it seemed like one mistake or one timely hit could shift the momentum of the game.

Third Inning: The Dodgers Strike First

The third inning would turn out to be the turning point of the game, and it all started with a lead-off single by the Dodgers’ star shortstop, Gavin Lux. Lux has been having a strong season and had been a key part of the Dodgers’ lineup all year. He used his speed to beat out an infield single, setting the stage for a potential rally. Mookie Betts, who had been quiet early in the game, followed up with a single to right field. With runners on first and second and no outs, the Dodgers were in business.

Freddie Freeman, who had been struggling with Gallen’s curveball, found his groove in the third inning. After working the count full, Freeman lined a single to left field, scoring Lux and putting the Dodgers up 1-0. The Dodger Stadium crowd erupted, their energy lifting as they sensed their team was on the verge of breaking the game open.

Max Muncy, the Dodgers’ power-hitting third baseman, was next. Muncy had been a streaky hitter but had found his swing recently. On the very first pitch he saw, Muncy crushed a 95 mph fastball from Gallen into the left-center gap for a double, scoring Betts from second and advancing Freeman to third. The Dodgers now led 2-0, and Gallen, who had been nearly perfect through the first two innings, was visibly frustrated.

The Diamondbacks’ pitching coach visited the mound briefly to settle Gallen down, but it was clear that the Dodgers’ offense had found its rhythm. Will Smith, the Dodgers’ All-Star catcher, followed Muncy with a deep fly ball to right field, which allowed Freeman to tag up and score, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0.

At this point, Sasaki had settled into a rhythm, and the Dodgers had put enough runs on the board to give him some breathing room.

Fourth Inning: Diamondbacks Answer Back

The Diamondbacks, however, were not going to go down quietly. In the fourth inning, Sasaki encountered some trouble. After a groundout by Josh Rojas, Sasaki gave up a walk to Gabriel Moreno and a single to Marte, putting runners on the corners with one out. Sasaki was able to get a huge strikeout of Corbin Carroll, but with Christian Walker up, the tension in the stadium built.

Walker, who had been one of the Diamondbacks’ most consistent hitters, worked the count full before launching a towering fly ball to left field. However, the ball had just enough on it to clear the fence, a two-run home run that cut the Dodgers’ lead to 3-2. It was a crushing blow for Sasaki, but he didn’t let the home run rattle him. He bounced back to strike out Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to end the inning, limiting the damage to just the two runs.

Fifth Inning: Dodgers Extend Their Lead

The Dodgers quickly responded in the bottom of the fifth. After Gallen had walked both Jason Heyward and Gavin Lux to lead off the inning, Mookie Betts stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second and no outs. Betts, one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, knew this was his moment to capitalize. With Gallen struggling to find the strike zone, Betts patiently worked the count before singling up the middle to score Heyward and extend the lead to 4-2.

The Diamondbacks made a pitching change, bringing in their setup man to try to halt the Dodgers’ momentum. Freddie Freeman, always reliable, delivered again with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Lux and putting the Dodgers up 5-2. The offense had once again delivered in the clutch, and the Dodgers now had a comfortable three-run lead heading into the later innings.

Sixth and Seventh Innings: The Bullpen Comes Through

After Sasaki’s five full innings, the Dodgers’ bullpen took over. Chris Martin was called in to pitch the sixth, and he quickly retired the side with a strikeout and two groundouts. Martin has been one of the most reliable relievers for the Dodgers in 2025, and his clean inning further solidified the Dodgers’ chances of closing out the win.

The seventh inning was another bullpen highlight, as Brusdar Graterol entered the game to pitch. Graterol’s fastball can touch triple digits, and he showed exactly why he’s one of the most feared relievers in the game. He struck out two batters, including a high fastball that froze Walker for his second strikeout of the night.

Ninth Inning: A Close Call, But Dodgers Hold On

In the final inning, the Diamondbacks made a last-ditch effort to mount a comeback. After a leadoff single by Gurriel, the Dodgers brought in their closer, Evan Phillips, to secure the final three outs. Phillips was up to the task, striking out Moreno and getting Marte to ground into a double play to end the game. The Dodgers had held on to their 5-3 lead, securing an important victory.

 A Team Win, A Step Forward

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 20, 2025, was a perfect example of how a complete team performance leads to success. From Roki Sasaki’s solid start to the timely hitting of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy, the Dodgers showed that they are one of the most well-rounded teams in Major League Baseball. The bullpen, led by Chris Martin, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips, also delivered when it mattered most, holding off any potential Diamondbacks comeback.

As the Dodgers continue their season, this win will serve as another reminder that they have the depth, talent, and resilience to compete for a World Series title in 2025. For the Diamondbacks, while the loss stung, they demonstrated that they are a team capable of competing at the highest level.