Friday, August 1, 2025
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025

A day after the major league trading deadline, the Dodgers looked like themselves in June. On a hot and muggy Friday night at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Bay, the Los Angeles Dodgers walloped the Tampa Bay Rays 5-to-0.

In the first, Shohei Ohtani walked and went to third on Will Smith’s double. Freddie Freeman’s double scored Ohtani and Smith.

Clayton Kershaw was brilliant for six innings. He didn’t walk anybody for the second time this season. He struck out three hitters and allowed five hits. He had outstanding command, and his curveball and slider worked magically.

In the fourth, Michael Conforto doubled, and Tommy Edman had an infield single. Rookie Alex Freeland singled in Conforto, and Mookie Betts had a sacrifice fly, scoring Edman.

In the fifth, Freeman hit his twelfth hr. For the first time since May, he had home runs in back-to-back games.

Justin Wrobleski pitched fabulously for three innings. He allowed only a hit and struck out five hitters. He didn’t walk anyone. Wrobleski was perfect for the bulk role, saving the bullpen for the next two day games under miserably hot and humid conditions.

Before the game, the Dodgers put Kirby Yates on the IL. For the last two weeks, Yates has been bothered by a sore back. During this period, he has struggled on the mound. The Dodgers sent him to LA for further testing.