The San Francisco Giants secured a 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first meeting between the National League West rivals this season, powered by a grand slam from Casey Schmitt and a solid outing from right-hander Logan Webb. The game occurred Friday night at Dodger Stadium, marking the latest point in a season the two clubs have first faced off since 1999.
Pre-game betting odds favored the Dodgers at home, with a moneyline around -150, while the visiting Giants entered the matchup as underdogs near +130. The over/under for the game was set at eight runs, a mark surpassed with San Francisco’s consistent offensive output.
Schmitt’s grand slam came in the third inning and served as the pivotal moment in the game. With the score tied at one run apiece, Giants starter Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos drew walks from Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. After Yamamoto recorded two strikeouts, Wilmer Flores drew another walk to load the bases. On a full count, Schmitt delivered a 423-foot home run to left-center field, the first grand slam of his career, putting San Francisco ahead 5-1.
Webb, who had not earned a win since May 16, delivered one of his better performances of the season. The Giants’ right-hander allowed only two runs across seven innings, giving up just two hits while striking out four and walking three. He kept the Dodgers’ potent offense in check, notably retiring Shohei Ohtani in all four plate appearances, including two strikeouts.
Yamamoto, who entered with six wins, struggled with his command throughout the outing. He allowed five runs on six hits and issued a season-high five walks over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out four but could not work around the free passes, ultimately suffering his fifth loss of the season.
San Francisco scored in the first inning when Willy Adames connected for a solo home run off Yamamoto. The Dodgers answered in the second after walks to Freddie Freeman and Will Smith set up an RBI sacrifice fly from Andy Pages to tie the game. Max Muncy grounded into a fielder’s choice earlier in the inning, allowing Freeman to reach third.
Teoscar Hernández added a solo home run for Los Angeles in the seventh to narrow the deficit to 5-2, but the Giants extended their lead in the eighth. Catcher Andrew Knizer recorded his first hit and home run of the season, a deep drive to center off Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski that scored 6-2. The Giants totaled 10 hits in the game, including three by Dominic Smith.
San Francisco improved to 40-29 with the victory, while Los Angeles fell to 41-29. The series continues Saturday night with right-hander Landen Roupp (4-4, 3.29 ERA) scheduled to pitch for the Giants. The Dodgers will counter with veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw (1-0, 4.35 ERA).