The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their 18-inning scoreless streak on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 at Tropicana Field to secure a series win. Entering the game as slight -115 betting favorites, the Dodgers capitalized on key offensive moments and a strong outing from starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to clinch the victory.
Freddie Freeman played a pivotal role in breaking the Dodgers’ scoring drought. He reached base with a single in the first inning, extending his on-base streak to 18 consecutive games. Freeman later scored the game’s opening run in the sixth inning on a single by rookie Andy Pages. Freeman delivered another run-scoring single in the seventh to stretch the lead to two. He finished the game with three hits and drove in a total of seven runs across the three-game set.
Shohei Ohtani contributed to the insurance run in the ninth inning. After doubling to reach base, he stole both second and third, setting up a sacrifice fly from Mookie Betts that brought him home to make it 3-0.
On the mound, Yamamoto improved to 10-7 on the season. He allowed five hits over 5 2/3 innings and struck out six without surrendering a run. The Dodgers’ bullpen preserved the shutout, with Ben Casparius coming on in the ninth to record his second save. Casparius entered with the bases loaded and retired Yandy Diaz to seal the win.
Tampa Bay starting pitcher Joe Boyle was effective in his outing, holding Los Angeles scoreless over five innings while allowing three hits and two walks. He struck out two batters before being replaced by Mason Englert, who was tagged with the loss after giving up the go-ahead single to Pages.
The game was not without concern for the Dodgers, as second baseman Tommy Edman exited in the fifth inning with a right ankle sprain. The team has not yet released further information on the extent of his injury.
Mookie Betts, typically the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, was moved down in the batting order following a prolonged slump. Betts went 0-for-4 on Sunday and finished the series hitless, extending his current drought to four games without a base hit.
With the win, the Dodgers claimed the series two games to one. They return home to open a series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night at Dodger Stadium. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow (1-1, 3.98 ERA) is scheduled to start for Los Angeles. The Rays, meanwhile, travel to face the Los Angeles Angels, with right-hander Adrian Houser (6-2, 2.10 ERA) slated to make his first start for Tampa Bay.
With the win, the Dodgers improved to 64-47, while the Rays fell to 58-53. The contest, defined by strong pitching and timely hits, provided a much-needed offensive spark for Los Angeles after two straight shutout losses to start the series.
