Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez hit home runs, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win 11-7 against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night, preventing a three-game sweep.
Freeman’s three-run homer in the first inning was his eighth of the season. Betts also hit a three-run homer during a six-run fifth inning, boosting Los Angeles to victory despite Shohei Ohtani having a quiet night, going 1 for 6.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s offensive performance, highlighting contributions from various players.
Pirates’ Oneil Cruz hit a massive 462-foot home run into the Allegheny River, one of the longest homers in the majors this season. However, it wasn’t enough for Pittsburgh to secure the sweep, missing their chance for the first time since 2015.
Los Angeles capitalized on pitcher Bailey Falter’s struggles, with Hernandez hitting a go-ahead home run in the fifth inning.
Miguel Rojas also contributed with three hits and two RBIs as the Dodgers built momentum before their upcoming series against the New York Yankees.
Betts acknowledged the challenge ahead against the Yankees, emphasizing the need for the team to be prepared.
Despite Ohtani’s limited impact, the Dodgers produced 14 hits. Michael Grove earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief after Walker Buehler’s ineffective outing.
