The Los Angeles Dodgers recorded an 11-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, led by Shohei Ohtani’s two home runs and a dominant performance from Clayton Kershaw. The win allowed Los Angeles to reclaim sole possession of first place in the National League West, one night after the teams entered tied in the standings.
According to pregame betting odds, the Dodgers were favored at home with a moneyline of -165, while the underdog Giants were listed at +140. The over/under for total runs was set at nine, a mark surpassed by the end of the sixth inning.
Ohtani opened the game with his 24th home run of the season, ending a 10-game homerless streak. The three-time MVP added another solo shot in the sixth inning, bringing his total to 25 and marking his third multi-home run game this year and the 22nd of his career.
Kershaw, in just his third start since returning from shoulder surgery, delivered a vintage outing. The 37-year-old left-hander threw 81 pitches across seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out five. He did not walk a batter, and only one ball in play off his pitches exceeded 100 mph in exit velocity. With the win, Kershaw improved to 2-0 on the season.
Offensively, the Dodgers produced a five-run rally in the second inning, capitalizing on erratic command from Giants starter Landen Roupp. After Roupp walked two batters to begin the inning, Andy Pages and Michael Conforto each delivered RBI hits. The Giants elected to intentionally walk Ohtani to load the bases, setting up Mookie Betts, who responded with a two-run double. Will Smith added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead. Roupp exited before completing the inning, allowing six runs on four hits and five walks in 1⅔ innings, the shortest start of his career. He was charged with the loss, falling to 4-5.
Teoscar Hernández contributed with a two-run homer in the sixth, pushing the Dodgers’ lead to double digits. Miguel Rojas added a solo home run in the eighth.
The Giants’ only offensive outburst came in the ninth inning against Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández, who was asked to pitch to preserve the bullpen. Casey Schmitt hit a grand slam, his second in as many games, and the Giants plated five runs before reliever Anthony Banda entered to record the final out.
With the win, Los Angeles improved to 42-28. San Francisco dropped to 40-30. The two teams are set to close their three-game series on Sunday. Dustin May (3-4, 4.46 ERA) is expected to start for the Dodgers, while Kyle Harrison (1-1, 4.56 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for the Giants.
