LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers held on just long enough to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers in their home opener on March 28, 2025. The game was not only a showcase of talent but also a poignant moment for former Dodger Jack Flaherty, who took the mound for the Tigers on the night his old team celebrated their 2024 World Series championship with a ring ceremony.
The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric as fans packed the stands, eager to witness the team’s first home game of the season. The reigning American League Cy Young and pitching Triple Crown winner, Tarik Skubal, started for the Tigers, while the Dodgers showcased newcomer Blake Snell, who was making his debut in a Dodger uniform.
Early in the game, both pitchers displayed their skills, with Snell managing to keep the Tigers at bay despite an early solo home run by Tommy Edman. Snell, however, struggled to maintain his form, finishing with five innings pitched and giving up four runs. His counterpart, Skubal, faced a tough challenge as the Dodgers' offense began to heat up.
The turning point of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning when Teoscar Hernández launched a three-run homer, putting the Dodgers ahead 4-2. This blast came after Snell had managed to keep the game competitive. The Tigers rallied back, scoring a run off relievers Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott, but it was a seventh-inning solo shot from Shohei Ohtani that ultimately sealed the Dodgers' victory.
Ohtani’s homer marked his second of the season, tying him with Edman for the league lead. The duo’s power hitting has been a bright spot for the Dodgers, who are looking to build on their success from last season. Despite their 95 wRC+ and .685 OPS last year, the Tigers' offense has not been particularly fearsome, leading many to question their ability to compete in high-stakes games.
Spencer Torkelson had a notable performance for Detroit, reaching base all five times he came to the plate with four walks and a solo homer. His ability to get on base consistently has been a key factor for the Tigers, alongside contributions from Manuel Margot and newly acquired Gleyber Torres, both of whom added two hits to their tally.
The Dodgers were also welcoming back star players Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who made their season debuts after recovering from injuries. Betts went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, while Freeman struggled, finishing 0-for-4. Kiké Hernández remained sidelined with a stomach issue, and catcher Will Smith had the day off on his birthday, adding to the team’s challenges.
As the game progressed, the narrative shifted to Flaherty, who was set to pitch against the team he helped win the World Series just months prior. The pride of Sherman Oaks, Flaherty had been a pivotal player for the Dodgers in 2024, starting in both Game 1 of the National League Championship Series and the World Series. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, as he became the first player to grow up in Los Angeles and start a World Series game for the Dodgers since Hall of Famer Don Drysdale in 1966.
Flaherty expressed his gratitude for the Dodgers’ success, stating, “I’m as thankful as you guys are that we were able to get it done and we were able to win the whole thing. That’s what we all want as players.” His emotional connection to the team and the city was palpable, and he was looking forward to receiving his championship ring during the ceremony before the game.
Despite the emotional backdrop of the night, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was confident that Flaherty would remain focused on the task at hand. “I think it’ll go perfectly fine because he’ll be locked in on his start,” Hinch said. “He’ll be focused on [Shohei] Ohtani to start the game.”
As the game unfolded, the Dodgers continued their quest to repeat as champions, now starting the season at 3-0. With the home crowd behind them, they aimed to build on their momentum against a Tigers team that has shown flashes of potential but remains inconsistent.
In addition to Flaherty’s return, the Dodgers were excited to see the debut of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who earned a win in his first outing of the year against the Cubs in Tokyo. Yamamoto pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk, showcasing his potential as a key contributor in the rotation.
As the night progressed, the Dodgers' players received their rings in a ceremony that celebrated their hard-fought championship. The significance of the moment was not lost on Flaherty, who reflected on his journey and the special connection he has with the franchise. “This is where I grew up and fell in love with the game,” he said. “It holds a special place with me.”
With the Dodgers victorious and Flaherty’s return adding an emotional layer to the night, the stage was set for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Both teams will look to build on their performances as they navigate the challenges of the long baseball season.
As the final score settled at 5-4 in favor of the Dodgers, the excitement of the night lingered in the air, foreshadowing the thrilling matchups to come in the 2025 MLB season.
