David Peralta hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning and the NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Thursday night in the opener of a pivotal series.
The loss snapped the Dodgers’ five-game winning streak, which they had put together against last-place San Diego and Texas. They struck out 15 times, including four by Chris Taylor.
The teams were playing each other for the first time since May 9. Arizona leads the season series 9-4.
Robbie Ray (4-2) gave up one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out nine and walked two to earn his first victory since June 23 at Miami. The left-hander hadn’t figured into a decision in seven consecutive starts since July 20, the longest streak in franchise history by a starter.
