Third Inning Rally Lifts Dodgers Over Diamondbacks 7-4

The last time Chad Billingsley faced Josh Collmenter, Billingsley allowed one hit and the Dodgers still lost 1-0. Tonight, however, the Dodgers provided support in the form of a six-run rally in the third inning, leading the Dodgers to a 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks in the opening game of a three-game series at Chase Field in Phoenix.

The third inning matched the season high for runs in an inning, matching an April 22 affair at Wrigley Field. Billingsley was also pitching in that game. Billingsley allowed three runs in six innings for his 10th win of the season. Javy Guerra got the final four outs for his 10th save of the season.

Rod Barajas had two hits, including his 10th home run of the season. Barajas drove in three runs on the night.

Collmenter was nearly skipped in the Arizona rotation this week, but the Dodgers are glad he pitched. The Dodgers roughed up Collmenter for the second straight Friday, adding six runs to his ledger in 2 1/3 innings. Arizona made the game close with a seventh-inning rally, cutting the Dodgers' lead to 6-3, and had the bases loaded with one out, with Justin Upton facing Mike MacDougal.

Upton blistered a low line drive that seemed headed for left field, but shortstop Dee Gordon made a diving catch, then doubled off Sean Burroughs to end the threat.

The Dodgers announced after the game that they purchased the contract of 21-year old Nathan Eovaldi from Double A Chattanooga, and optioned John Ely to Triple A. Eovaldi will make his major league debut on Saturday night.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read True Blue LA. For a different perspective, be sure to read SB Nation Arizona.