Dodgers dig deep in LA

MLB: Joc Pederson and Chase Utley each hit two-run home runs

As of press deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers led the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 in the bottom of the eighth.

The Dodgers built a 3-0 lead after four innings, but a seven-run seventh by Arizona made for a 7-3 Diamondbacks lead.

Los Angeles wasn’t done, though, storming back with five runs in the bottom of the seventh for an 8-7 lead.

Joc Pederson and Chase Utley both hit two-run home runs in the seventh for the Dodgers.

Right-hander Kenta Maeda started on the mound for Los Angeles, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out five and walked none.

Joe Blanton allowed three earned runs for the Dodgers and only retired one batter.

This was the first of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.

The teams will play again Saturday at 6:10 p.m., and then on Sunday at 1:10 p.m.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda, of Japan, throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the fourth inning, Friday, in Los Angeles.