Walker Buehler gets 1st career shutout, Dodgers blank D-backs 4-0

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Some pitchers chase wins, saves or strikeouts.

Walker Buehler’s statistic of choice is innings pitched.

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So it was a big moment for the 27-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers ace when he walked off the mound Monday night after throwing nine superb innings, wrapping up his first career shutout in a 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"The guys I grew up watching did that," Buehler said. "That was what it meant to be good."

Buehler (2-1) tossed a three-hitter and Will Smith launched a solo homer for the Dodgers, who won for the 11th time in 13 games.

Buehler cruised most of the way, retiring 15 straight batters during a brilliant stretch from the fourth inning to the ninth. He walked none, hit one batter with a pitch and struck out 10, leaving the field to a standing ovation from the sizable contingent of Dodgers fans at Chase Field.

The right-hander threw 108 pitches, getting Christian Walker on a fly ball to center field for the final out. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Buehler told him he wasn't coming out of the game as he left the field following the eighth inning.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler, right, celebrates his three-hit complete game with catcher Will Smith after a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, April 25, 2022, in Phoenix. The Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks 4-0.  (AP Photo/Matt York)

It was another tough pitching decision for Roberts, who took some heat earlier this year when he pulled Clayton Kershaw after seven perfect innings against Minnesota. Roberts has said he doesn't regret the Kershaw decision and he certainly doesn't