Dodgers Love It When A Plan Comes Together In Win Over Diamondbacks

The Dodgers on Monday in Arizona fielded a starting lineup with five players who have played in Triple A Albuquerque this season, and had only one opening day starter among the eighth position players. But it didn't matter that the Dodgers didn't have their A-Team as they continued to roll anyway, hitting three home runs en route to a 6-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a three-game series at Chase Field.

The Dodgers have won five straight games, the third time in 42 games this season they have had a winning streak of at least five games. They are 29-13 on the season, including 15-6 against the National League West. Their start matches the 2009 team for best 42-game start since the 1981 team began 30-12.

One out after Jerry Sands singled to lead off the top of the second inning, Matt Treanor pulled a pitch into the left field seats for a two-run home run and an early Dodgers lead. It was the first home run of the season for Treanor, who became the 12th Dodger to hit a home run this season.

Capuano retired the first nine batters of the game, but Willie Bloomquist snapped that string by nearly homering to left center to lead off the bottom of the fourth. Bloomquist settled for a triple after his ball hit high off the wall and bounced away from Tony Gwynn Jr., then scored on a single by Aaron Hill.

That was all Capuano would allow in his six innings of work. He gave up four hits and a walk while striking out five for his seventh consecutive quality start, and his sixth win of the season.

Andre Ethier homered in the seventh for an insurance run, driving a pitch low and away from left-hander Craig Breslow out near the pool area in right center field. The Dodgers broke it open in the eighth inning with three runs, as Ivan De Jesus singled, Justin Sellers tripled him home, and James Loney unloaded for a deep home run to right.

Loney in his career has hit 10 home runs in 44 games at Chase Field, the most he has hit in any road park. By comparison, Loney has 25 career home runs in 420 games at Dodger Stadium.

Ronald Belisario pitched the seventh inning, his first mound action in five days, and Jamey Wright pitched the ninth inning for the Dodgers, his first outing in four days.

Up Next

Aaron Harang takes the mound for the Dodgers on Tuesday night in the middle game of their three-game series in Arizona. Trevor Cahill gets the call for the Diamondbacks.

Tonight's Particulars

Home Runs: Matt Treanor (1), Andre Ethier (9), James Loney (2)

WP - Chris Capuano (6-1): 6 IP, 4 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

LP - Patrick Corbin (2-3): 5 1/3 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts