Arizona Diamondbacks: Mastery over Dodgers continues

The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to gain success against the L. A. Dodgers.

Most pundits argue the road to the National League West division titles goes through Dodger Stadium. As far as the Arizona Diamondbacks are concerned, they would not be at all disappointed if all games, indeed, went through SoCal.

By virtue of their 8-7 victory Friday night in Dodger Stadium, the Arizona Diamondbacks have won 10 straight games from the Dodgers in the regular season. Then again, the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks in three games last October in the NLDS.

Nonetheless, the streak against one team remains impressive. Not that the Diamondbacks can maintain this mastery, the influence of beating the vaunted Dodgers so frequently must add comfort. In the win Friday, Daniel Descalso, hitting fourth in manager Torey Lovullo’s line-up, banged out four RBIs, and that represented one short of his career best. That was the first time in his nine-year career that the native of Danville, Calif. hit the clean-up spot. At the same time, Descalso dispelled the dominance of the Dodgers in recent games.

“I guess we’ve beaten them four in a row this year,” Descalso told mlb.com. “I think that’s what matters so far, not that it even matters a whole lot. But last year is last year. We’re happy to be off to a hot start, and anytime you can beat teams in your own division, that’s an added bonus.”

The 10 consecutive wins over the Dodgers tied for second best in franchise history for straight victories against one team. Arizona established that mark with 10 straight over the Phillies from 1999 to 2000. The club mark is 16 straight and was accomplished against the Cincinnati Reds from 2001 to 2003.

Likely more important to Lovullo and his players is the start to this season. Out of the gate, the Arizona Diamondbacks have captured 10 of their opening 13 games, and that is the best in franchise history.