While nearly all of the attention, hype, and hoopla in Sunday’s exciting Dodgers 4-3 win over the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks understandably went to Dodgers right fielder Cody Bellinger for his top of the ninth inning game-tying solo home run and to left fielder Joc Pederson for his top of the 11th inning go-ahead and eventual game-winning solo home run, the real hero was the Dodgers collective bullpen … yes, the same Dodgers bullpen that has been criticized mercilessly throughout the season and particularly of late.

Sunday’s series finale against the National League West second place Dbacks was started by Dodgers right-hander Ross Stripling fresh off the injured list for a nagging sore neck. In his pre-arranged three innings, Stripling allowed no runs and only two hits, while walking none and striking out two.

Stripling was replaced by 21-year-old right-hander Dustin May (also pre-arranged), who was expected to give the Dodgers as many as six innings of relief in his first appearance out of the Dodgers bullpen. He very well might have until a smoking line drive off the bat of Dbacks first baseman Jake Lamb struck May in the head that immediately sent him to the ground. Fortunately, and after several terrifying minutes, May was able to walk off the field under his own power and was (thankfully) diagnosed with only a contusion after undergoing concussion protocols.

Unfortunately, the ball that deflected off of May’s head allowing two runs and eventually Lamb himself to score, accounting for all three Dbacks runs. But here again, Dodgers relievers Adam Kolarek, Caleb Ferguson, Dylan Floro (also fresh of the IL for a sore neck), struggling Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Casey Sadler, and Pedro Báez were collectively brilliant, allowing no runs and only a combined two hits.

Sadler would eventually be credited with the win following Bellinger’s game-tying solo home in the ninth inning (which landed in the pool in right/center field) and Pederson’s monster 454-foot game-winning solo shot to (very) deep right field in the 11th.

Báez came on to pitch the bottom of the 11th and retired the Dbacks in order, needing only 13 pitches to do so and including a huge strikeout of former Dodger and noted speedster Tim Locastro after falling behind 2-0 in the count. It was the first save of the Bani, Dominican Republic native’s six-year MLB career in his combined 15 save opportunities.

The Dodgers begin a six-game homestand on Monday evening, with three against the Colorado Rockies and three with the Hated Ones. Joining the Dodgers on Monday will be (very) highly touted middle infield prospect Gavin Lux who, as first reported here on ThinkBlueLA, received a call-up to ‘The Show’ on Sunday.

“Gavin’s earned this opportunity, I think that’s kind of plain and simple,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I think we’re all excited to see him. It’s very exciting to see a young player who can play both sides of the baseball. Dynamic, organizational guy. To see his debut at home, we’re all excited.”

Excited indeed.

Play ball!

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