Dodgers Win Wild One! Ohtani Homer, Freeman's Glove Save the Day!
Colaboradores
Dodgers Edge Royals in Thrilling 5-4 Victory!
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a hard-fought 5-4 victory against the Kansas City Royals Friday night, extending their winning streak to five games. A leadoff home run by Shohei Ohtani, a clutch homer by Max Muncy, and a game-saving defensive play by Freddie Freeman highlighted a back-and-forth contest at Kauffman Stadium.
Ohtani ignited the Dodgers' offense immediately, launching his major league-leading eighth leadoff home run of the season off Royals' pitcher Noah Cameron. The solo shot traveled 429 feet into the center-field fountains. Ohtani finished the game with a home run and triple.
Kansas City responded in the bottom of the first, snapping their scoreless streak with a run-scoring single by Salvador Perez off Dodgers' starter Dustin May. May struggled with his command early, needing 30 pitches to navigate the first inning.
Muncy Mashes, Royals Rally
Max Muncy put the Dodgers back in front in the second inning, crushing a two-run home run to give Los Angeles a 3-1 advantage. However, the Royals answered back in the bottom half of the frame. A costly misplay in right field by Teoscar Hernandez and shaky pitching by May allowed Bobby Witt Jr. to blast a two-run home run, giving Kansas City a 4-3 lead.
The Dodgers tied the game in the fifth when Ohtani tripled and scored on a single by Mookie Betts. The Dodgers bullpen then shut down the Royals' offense.
Freeman's Glove Saves the Game
The Royals threatened in the ninth, loading the bases with one out against Dodgers' closer Tanner Scott. A ground ball to second base looked to be a sure double play, but after Tommy Edman flipped the ball to Mookie Betts, Betts' throw was slightly off target. Freddie Freeman stretched as he fell to the ground to complete the double play and seal the victory for the Dodgers.
Lou Trivino (3-0) earned the win, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of Dustin May. Tanner Scott picked up his 18th save of the season.
The Royals have now lost six straight games overall and 11 consecutive home games.
Key Stats:
- Shohei Ohtani: 1-4, HR, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R
- Max Muncy: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI
- Mookie Betts: 1-4, RBI
- Freddie Freeman: 0-4, 2 K, incredible game-ending double play
- Bobby Witt Jr.: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers and Royals continue their series Saturday. The Dodgers will look to continue their winning streak, while the Royals will be seeking to snap their losing skid.