Los Angeles Dodgers: The ten best moments of the first half

2. Now walk it out – July 6 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

While on the surface this game may not have been something to jot down in the history books, it was the perfect metaphor to how the Los Angeles Dodgers first half of the season transpired. After taking the first two games at home against the second Diamondbacks, the Dodgers either could have extended their lead to 5.5 games or have it shrink to 3.5 games.

Coming into this series the Dodgers led the Diamondbacks by 2.5 games and the Rockies by 6.5 games. When it was all said and done the team extended their lead to 5.5 games and 8.5 games, respectively. In the National League West where the standings have been so tight this sweep is huge.

Heading into the ninth inning the Los Angeles Dodgers did not look like they were going to accomplish the sweep. With the thriving Fernando Rodney coming in to close the ninth many Diamondback fans were likely very comfortable as their team was up 4-1. Boy were they taken by storm.

Rodney issues a lead-off single to Yasiel Puig, then walking both Joc Pederson and Cody Bellinger to load the bases with no outs. With right-hander Logan Forsythe now up, Arizona manager Torey Luvullo opted to keep Rodney in. Rodney issues a four-pitch walk to Forsythe, bringing Corey Seager to the plate. Down by two, Seager sent a hard grounder up the middle to tie the game.

After an intentional walk to Justin Turner, the hot-hitting Chris Taylor was up to the plate. Taylor lined the first pitch to left field over Rey Fuentes, giving the Dodgers the victory. At the end of the season, we may be looking back at this moment as the beginning of the Dodgers running with the lead.