Giants 5, Dodgers 1
The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped the first game of the series against the San Francisco Giants heartbreakingly, thanks to late-inning heroics from Giants’ catcher Patrick Bailey. The Giants stun the Dodgers with a 10th-inning walk-off grand slam, courtesy of Bailey. Despite another quality start from Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers couldn’t provide any run support and crumbled in extras. The Dodgers play the second game in this series at Oracle Park today and look to bounce back.
Dodgers-Giants Game Summary
The Giants struck first in the first inning, as a double by Willy Adames drove in Rafael Devers. Andy Pages bobbled the ball as he fielded it, prompting the Giants’ third base coach to send Devers home.
Justin Verlander helped the Giants stun the Dodgers, providing a quality start. He finished the game with 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4BB, 4 K. The one earned run came in the seventh inning on a solo shot by Michael Conforto to even things up. The game remained even until the bottom of the 10th. Dave Roberts called on Tanner Scott to keep the game close. After a controversial call where the umpire ruled the ball hit the ground rather than being caught, on what should have been a Jung Hoo Lee strikeout. Lee took ball four on the next pitch, and the Dodgers would intentionally walk the next batter.
This set up a bases-loaded situation, and the Giants stunned the Dodgers as Patrick Bailey delivered with a walk-off grand slam. This was the 11th home run closer Tanner Scott allowed this season.
What Went Right for the Dodgers
Yamamoto Stays Red Hot
Yoshinobu Yamamoto started the game by giving up a run in the first inning, but he quickly recovered. He didn’t allow the Giants to plate another run and gave the Dodgers quality innings. He pitched his 17th quality start of the season, and fifth in a row. Unfortunately, he earned no decisions in five of his past six quality starts, and seven of his 17 quality starts this season resulted in no decisions.
Yamamoto’s final stat line on the night: 7 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K. This was Yamamoto’s second game in a row allowing one hit and one run. It was his third game in a row recording 10 strikeouts. He was also the first Dodgers pitcher since Kershaw to have three starts pitching at least seven innings.
What Went Wrong for the Dodgers
Struggling Offense
The Dodgers’ offensive struggles continue as they have a hard time hitting with runners in scoring position. They were 0-5 with RISP, failing to capitalize in key moments. Even with an excellent outing by Yamamoto, stranding runners proved costly.
Failing to Establish Lead in NL West
The Dodgers were lucky that their divisional rivals, the Colorado Rockies, helped them out by beating the San Diego Padres. With the Padres’ loss, they still maintain a two-game lead in the first spot in the NL West pennant race.
With the 2025 season coming to an end, the Dodgers have to capitalize on these last few games. Though they hold the tiebreaker, the Padres are still within striking distance.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers play once again at Oracle Park today, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss. Veteran south paw Clayton Kershaw (10-2, 3.27 ERA) will take on Giants all-star Logan Webb (14-9, 3.12 ERA).
First pitch will be at 6:05 pm PDT.
More Los Angeles Dodgers Articles
More San Francisco Giants Articles
More MLB Articles
Main photo: Embed from Getty Images
- Categories
-
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants