In a thrilling matchup on April 28, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Miami Marlins, with the spotlight shining on former Dodger first base coach Clayton McCullough, now the manager of the Marlins. The game not only marked McCullough's return to Dodger Stadium but also featured an exciting on-field battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The game showcased pitchers Dustin May for the Dodgers and Edward Cabrera for the Marlins. May, with a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 3.68, aimed to solidify his position within the Dodgers' rotation. Meanwhile, Cabrera, struggling with a 0-1 record and a 6.14 ERA, sought to turn around his season against a formidable Dodgers lineup.
Prior to the game, a heartfelt ceremony took place honoring McCullough, who played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2024 World Series victory. A large contingent of former MVPs, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, presented him with his World Series ring, gold-trim jersey, and cap. "That was special," McCullough said, reflecting on the emotional moment. "To see so many former colleagues, staff members, and players come out there, it was a special time for me, and I appreciate the gesture by the Dodgers and [manager Dave Roberts] and his whole crew for doing that and making that a special moment for me. It was classy."
McCullough's journey from the Dodgers to the Marlins has been filled with challenges and opportunities. Former Marlin Miguel Rojas, who is now back with the Dodgers, recalled conversations with McCullough during his transition. "We were talking about how big of a challenge it was going to be, but he was so happy, and you can see it on his face, how happy he was to have a group of young players, kind of develop them together," Rojas shared. This sentiment echoed throughout the Marlins' dugout, where players expressed their admiration for McCullough's leadership.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised McCullough's contributions, labeling him a “game-changer” for the 2024 Dodgers, particularly in regard to Ohtani's historic 50/50 season. "Clayton is a very, very special person, a very special coach, and the Marlins got a really good one," Roberts noted. "He brings energy every day, and certainly the Marlins are playing good baseball."
As the game unfolded, it was clear that the Marlins were fighting hard. In a dramatic sixth inning, Dane Myers launched a game-tying grand slam, capping a five-run rally that electrified the Marlins' fans. However, despite their valiant effort, Miami ultimately fell short, losing 7-6 in the 10th inning. This defeat highlighted the Marlins' ongoing struggles, particularly with sloppy defense, a concern that mirrored the Dodgers' own challenges this season.
On the offensive side, the Dodgers were bolstered by the impressive performance of Andy Pages, who had a stellar series against the Pirates leading up to this game. Pages went 10-for-12 in that series, including a home run, three doubles, and four RBIs, which significantly boosted his batting average from .183 to .277. His OPS surged from .650 to .861, placing him at a remarkable 146 OPS+, surpassing even notable players like Teoscar Hernandez, who stands at 145. This surge in performance has fans buzzing about Pages' potential as a key contributor for the Dodgers moving forward.
The Marlins, under McCullough's guidance, are looking to build a competitive roster, with a focus on developing young talent. Connor Norby, a promising player on the Marlins' roster, expressed his belief in McCullough's experience and knowledge. "You want someone who's seen it all. He's lost in the World Series. He's won the World Series. He's been around the best players in the game," Norby said. "And that can only help, especially guys like me, and guys that look up to that type of stuff and want to know what they're doing that maybe I'm not."
As the game concluded, the atmosphere was a mix of celebration and disappointment. The Dodgers secured the win, but the Marlins demonstrated resilience and potential that could bode well for their future. The camaraderie and respect between the two teams were evident, especially during the ceremony honoring McCullough.
Looking ahead, both teams have much to prove. The Dodgers aim to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of another championship, while the Marlins are focused on building a competitive team that can challenge for titles in the coming seasons. The matchup between these teams is not just about the game; it's about the connections, the history, and the bright futures that lie ahead.
As the 2025 season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and compelling storylines as both the Dodgers and Marlins navigate their respective journeys in Major League Baseball.
