The path to an opening day victory at Dodger Stadium isn't easy, but it is simple.
For as star-studded as the Los Angeles lineup may be, baseball is a game that cannot be predicted. On any given day, an underdog can either be blown out or take a massive upset win. To call the D-backs winning at Dodger Stadium on opening night a massive upset would be an understatement.
But it is, of course, quite possible. Below are the three keys to Arizona engineering such an upset over the Dodgers:Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen reacts after allowing two runs against the Brewers during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on March 20, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images It's a good rule of thumb for any baseball game, but it's particularly important to not allow free runners against a dominant Dodger lineup. It will be extremely difficult to prevent top-order stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman from collecting extra-base hits or leaving the yard. What will be important is that the damage remains as minimal as possible. That means keeping the ball in the zone, limiting walks, and playing sharp defense on day one of 162. "I don't want to be out in Dodger Stadium having guys not throw the ball where they need to," manager Torey Lovullo said. "Next thing you know, a solo home run becomes a three-run home run. We need to attack zones. We need to have a good game plan, and we need to execute."to work as deep into the game as can be expected for the first start of the season — which, in turn, will also task a shaky D-backs bullpen with collecting fewer outs.Feb 27, 2026; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a tough starter to face. But the Dodgers' pitching weakness in recent seasons has been their bullpen. LA put forward a 4.85 Cactus League ERA from their relief corps, and ranked 21st in MLB in reliever ERA during the 2025 regular season. Even considering the Dodgers' recent addition of Edwin Diaz — who will be limited to the eighth or ninth inning — the Diamondbacks' window to attack LA's staff is in the middle relief frames. What that means is, as much as Arizona tends to be aggressive at the plate in the first inning, the D-backs need to bring a patient approach. They must force Yamamoto to labor, if possible, and avoid handing LA's starter efficient outs. Considering starters tend to have shorter outings on opening day, Arizona can't allow Yamamoto to extend his into the later innings of the game.Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Diamondbacks need a strong showing from their bullpen if they want to win on Thursday night. There is no way around it. Regardless of whether Gallen's outing is strong, Arizona will either have to keep the game within striking distance or hold a lead — something that has been quite difficult for their battered bullpen in recent seasons. Even if Arizona were to take a monstrous lead early on, the Dodgers' lineup is capable of fireworks at any point in time. And the D-backs' bullpen is largely comprised of familiar faces — faces who helped contribute to aLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsBorn and raised in the desert, Alex D'Agostino is a lifelong follower of Arizona sports. Alex writes for Arizona Diamondbacks ON SI and also Arizona Cardinals ON SI. He previously covered the Diamondbacks for FanSided's VenomStrikes. Follow Alex on Twitter @AlexDagAZ
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
La Salle women pull away late to beat Binghamton in the WNIT, will face Army nextAryss Macktoon led La Salle with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while head coach Mountain MacGillivray notched his 100th career win on Monday.
Read more »
Trichotillomania: 'People who pull out their own hair shouldn't feel ashamed'A TikToker has opened up about his struggles with a condition that causes him to pull his own hair out.
Read more »
Could the Chicago Bulls Pull Off the Steal of the NBA Draft at No. 10?In our latest lottery sim, the Chicago Bulls end up selecting one of college basketball's most efficient and well-rounded contributors.
Read more »
Roborock Kicks Off Spring Cleaning Season With Up to $300 Off Select Powerful Robot VacuumsSave hundreds on two of Roborock’s best wet-dry vacuums that get your floors cleaner with less effort.
Read more »
‘Nothing Could Pull Me Out of Here’: Why Ben Cutter Refused to Leave WVUWest Virginia linebacker Ben Cutter explains why he remained a Mountaineer.
Read more »
Up North Michigan, schools struggle between pull of home and promise of collegeJaeden Briley lives on a road named for her homesteading family, a narrow dirt track packed with deep snow.
Read more »