The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2026 season with an 8-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, March 27, at Dodger Stadium. The game marked the start of the Dodgers' pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.
Core Facts
- The Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks 8-2 in their season opener.
- Andy Pages, the Dodgers' eighth hitter, hit the team's first home run and drove in three runs.
Deeper Dive & Context
Key Performances
Andy Pages, a 25-year-old center fielder, had a standout debut, hitting a three-run homer in the fifth inning and adding a single in the eighth. Manager Dave Roberts had previously identified Pages as a potential breakout candidate after the player improved his plate discipline during spring training.
Pitching Matchup
Yoshinobu Yamamoto started for the Dodgers, continuing his strong playoff form from 2025. He made 30 starts last season with a 2.49 ERA and 0.990 WHIP. For the Diamondbacks, Zac Gallen, coming off a challenging 2025 season (4.83 ERA), took the mound.
Team Updates
The Dodgers bolstered their roster with outfielder Kyle Tucker and reliever Edwin Diaz in the offseason. However, left-hander Blake Snell began the season on the injured list due to arm fatigue. The Diamondbacks re-signed Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, though Kelly also started the season on the IL with a back injury. They added Nolan Arenado via trade and signed Carlos Santana.
How to Watch
The game was broadcast on MLB Network and MLB.TV, with streaming options available through Fubo.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers aim to build on their 2025 World Series victory, while the Diamondbacks seek to improve after a disappointing 2025 campaign.