Gurriel’s Grand Slam Sparks Diamondbacks Comeback Against Dodgers

PHOENIX, Arizona — Lourdes Gurriel Jr. of the Arizona Diamondbacks hit a grand slam during the fifth inning of Friday’s game, bringing the score to 8-8 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field.

The grand slam was part of a dramatic five-run comeback for the Diamondbacks, who had been down 8-3 after the third inning. This victory tied the team for the league lead with six grand slams this season.

In the fifth inning, Ketel Marte led off with a walk, marking the end of Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki’s night. Anthony Banda, a former top prospect for the Diamondbacks, took his place on the mound. Pavin Smith managed to get a hit up the middle. After Eugenio Suarez walked to load the bases, Gabriel Moreno struck out for the second out before Gurriel stepped up to the plate.

Gurriel, who has been improving his batting in the last couple of weeks, hit a sinker for a home run that sailed over the outfield wall. He celebrated the moment by throwing his hands up in the air as he rounded the bases.

This was the second grand slam in as many games for the Diamondbacks, with Moreno hitting one the day before in a 5-3 victory. The team previously only accomplished this back in 2011. With another run added later in the sixth inning, the Diamondbacks took a 9-8 lead entering the final frames of the game.

Listeners can catch the rest of the Diamondbacks-Dodgers game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.