Edwin Diaz earned his first save in his debut and Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over Arizona.
Dave Roberts and the Dodgers rolled to an Opening Day win behind six strong innings from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and critical contributions from Andy Pages, Will Smith, and several others. Edwin Diaz earned his first save in his debut and Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.
Diaz trotted out in the ninth to the sounds of trumpeter Tatiana Tate, who tooted from the stands next to the left field bullpen. Wearing Diaz's No. 3 jersey, she played Timmy Trumpet's “Narcos,” the closer's entrance song that electrified New York Mets fans before the Dodgers lured the fan favorite away on a $69 million, three-year deal. “It’s really cool because it’s another way to keep the fans involved in the game until the ninth inning because they’re all going to be waiting for that,” infielder Miguel Rojas said. “Having Sugar in the ninth is always going to be special.” However, fans may be hearing a recorded version of Diaz's music next time. Tate, who has played with Stevie Wonder and Doechii, isn't expected to be a regular presence during the season. The Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8-2 on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. Mario Solis reports for NBC4 at 8 p.m. on March 26, 2026.“I always get a little bit nervous when I come into the game, but at the end of the day I was excited, too,” Diaz said. “I come in a one-run game was really big for me. I want to set it down the second day of the season, help this team to win, get the save and keep going.” The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series championships without a true closer, although at times it was a rocky road. The last pitcher to fill that role was Kenley Jansen, who twice led the National League in saves during his spell in Los Angeles.Three Dodgers players are featured on the new mural. Lauren Coronado reports for the NBC4 News at 3 p.m. on Tuesday March 24, 2026. “It’s going to be a lot on Sugar because he’s going to have to be under a lot of pressure," Rojas said,"but he’s done it before. He’s the right guy for the task.” Manager Dave Roberts initially didn't think the Dodgers had a chance to land Diaz in free agency after the right-hander opted out of the final two years and $38 million of his contract with the Mets. Roberts got off a 45-minute video call with Diaz and front office executives, and told his wife, “We're going to get him.” “It was selling ourselves and talking about how much we valued him and the culture of the team and the ownership and how we'll do anything to win,” Roberts recalled. “He talked to his wife and convinced her moving West was a good decision." Another factor that played in the Dodgers' favor, Roberts believes, is that Diaz's younger brother, Alexis, had joined the Dodgers last May as a reliever. He is currently in the Texas Rangers organization. “Calling him up from the minors and us treating him like a superstar, I think that kind of helped make that decision and comfort going forward,” Roberts said. The attraction for Diaz was simple: “A lot of good players here. Everyone stays healthy, this team has a chance to win a three-peat,” he said. Tucker went 1-for-3 with the game-winning single and a stolen base. In his debut on Thursday, the right fielder notched his first hit and first RBI in an 8-2 comeback victory. He signed a $240 million, four-year deal to leave the Chicago Cubs. “I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to play in this environment and feel part of the family,” Rojas said. “I'm pretty sure they're looking closely at how fun it's been.”
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.
Dodgers Dugout: These things are guaranteed to happen to the Dodgers this seasonHere are some things that will definitely happen this season as the Dodgers look for a third straight World Series title.
Read more »
See the ‘Viva Los Dodgers' pregame schedule for 2026 LA Dodgers seasonPart of this season’s game day energy at Dodger Stadium will come from the pregame “Viva Los Dodgers” celebrations. Here’s the pregame…
Read more »
Kyle Tucker drives in winning run as Dodgers celebrate ring night with another winThe Dodgers’ new right fielder is part of two key defensive plays, then drives in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Diamondbacks. Edwin Diaz earns his first save as a Dodger on the night his …
Read more »
Diaz thrills Dodger Stadium with trumpets entrance, first saveDodgers closer Edwin Diaz said it was 'pretty fun' hearing his entrance music at Dodger Stadium for the first time before he locked down his first save with his new team in Friday night's 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks.
Read more »
A Trumpet, Debut Save and 8th-Inning Swing: Dodgers' New Faces Make Noise EarlyThe Dodgers rode big early returns from new stars Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker to a 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks on Friday night.
Read more »
Dodgers surprise Edwin Díaz with live trumpet for LA debut: 'It was bumping out there'Ever since his shock signing with the Dodgers this offseason, Edwin Díaz had been waiting to hear the trumpets blare for his Chavez Ravine debut.
Read more »