Will Smith. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers catcher Will Smith shines in Opening Day win

By Matthew Brown | Last updated 3/31/23

Catcher Will Smith led the Los Angles Dodgers offense on Opening Day, driving in half of the runs during the team’s 8-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

With the loss of Trea Turner, Smith moved up in the lineup, taking over as the No. 3 hitter. Smith collected three hits on the night and took advantage of the opportunity to drive in runs.

After the D-backs took an early two-run lead, Smith came up in the third inning with runners on second and third base. The 28-year-old shot a fastball off Zac Gallen the other way, scoring both runs and tying the game.

Tie it up, Will! pic.twitter.com/QHiP6N22eS
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 31, 2023

Then in the fifth inning with the score still tied and runners on the corners, Smith blooped an 0-2 pitch into right field, scoring the go-ahead run.

“We had pressure on them the whole night,” Smith said after the game. “It was big hit after big hit. [Gallen] was close to getting out of it with a zero, but it was just nice for us that I was able to do that. We just kept going after that.”

Clutch like Will. pic.twitter.com/RdXx7rVlvY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 31, 2023

After the Dodgers busted the game open, taking a 7-2 lead, Smith found himself up at the plate with the bases loaded but had to settle for a sacrifice fly.

“Smith was a star as far as seeing pitches, getting two-strike hits, two-out RBI, and just having good at-bats,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Everyone else sort of followed after that.”

Smith is expected to be back in the three-hole tomorrow as the Dodgers continue their series against Arizona.

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