PITTSBURGH

For most teams, allowing Paul Skeens an early two-run advantage could spell disaster. But for the surprisingly dominant Dodgers, it turned out to be just a minor obstacle on their way to another significant win.

The Dodgers faced a tough loss against the Pirates, ultimately falling 12-3. Skeens played a crucial role, scoring two runs in the sixth to come back from a deficit, and then the team unleashed a staggering 10-run barrage in the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh bullpen.

This 10-run outburst marked the largest single-inning scoring for the Dodgers since June 2021.

This rally was also a big moment for first baseman Freddie Freeman, who achieved his 2,500th career hit while driving in another run. Freeman, who also hit a double and scored earlier, expressed that it was a particularly special inning for him.

The Dodgers’ rebuilding efforts had shown promise, especially with Eric Lauer making a strong showing in his third start for the team. Lauer, despite allowing consecutive home runs in the first inning, managed to retire 15 of the next 16 batters, finishing with a two-run performance over 5 2/3 innings, and posting a 2.76 ERA since his trade from Toronto.

Manager Roberts praised Lauer, noting how he successfully mixed his pitches and stayed in rhythm, only faltering slightly early on.

This performance allowed the Dodgers to gauge Skeens, leading to a run in the second and another in the sixth, tying the game. Roberts commented on Skeens’ ability, mentioning how tough it was initially, but after scoring those runs, it felt like a key moment for the team.

By the end of the sixth, Skeens had thrown 103 pitches, prompting the Pirates to call in their bullpen for the seventh, which turned into a disaster.

A total of 15 Dodgers came to the plate, with the first nine reaching base safely. The team recorded seven hits, which included Andy Pages’ two-run homer and Shohei Ohtani’s RBI double, alongside four walks. The combined effort saw the Pirates’ relief pitchers throw 68 pitches.

Any thought of the early deficit was quickly forgotten.

What It Means

The Dodgers improved to 43-24, highlighting a hot streak with a record of 19-6 over their last 25 games. This victory marked the fifth time during this streak that the team scored in double digits, contributing to a total of 11 such games this season. Only the Washington Nationals, with nine, have more.

Mookie Betts shared his thoughts on the win, saying it showcases the team’s potential. He highlighted the importance of grinding through tough games.

Who Is Hot

Last season, the Dodgers struggled against Skeens, who held them to 12 scoreless innings. This time, Max Muncy reversed that trend, going 3-for-3 and contributing directly to two runs. He set up a sacrifice fly in the second and tied the game in the sixth, with a notable grounder that eluded second baseman Brandon Lowe. Muncy also hit a double earlier, resulting in a bump in his batting average.

Who Is Not

On another note, Will Smith missed his third consecutive game due to a neck strain, which manager Roberts indicated might lead to a stint on the disabled list. Smith’s condition seemingly appeared unexpectedly.

To The Next

Shohei Ohtani, with a record of 6-2 and an impressive 0.74 ERA, is set to play both sides again on Wednesday, as the Dodgers prepare to face Pirates right-hander Jared Jones.