LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their 2025 season in spectacular fashion, marking their first 4-0 start since 1981 with an exhilarating 8-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. The game was highlighted by Mookie Betts, who hit a game-winning three-run homer in the 10th inning, securing the win just hours after the team received their 2024 World Series rings.
Betts’ dramatic home run came off Beau Brieske, scoring pinch-hitter Will Smith and superstar Shohei Ohtani. Earlier in the game, Betts had already put the Dodgers ahead 3-2 with a two-out solo shot in the eighth inning, but the Tigers fought back, tying the game in the ninth with Manuel Margot’s RBI single.
The Tigers took a brief lead in the 10th, thanks to Dillon Dingler, who homered and tripled, bringing the score to 5-3. But the Dodgers weren’t done yet. Michael Conforto’s ground-rule double in the bottom of the 10th made it 5-4, setting the stage for Betts’ heroics.
“It’s a great feeling to help the team win,” Betts said after the game, reflecting on the significance of his performance. “We’ve got a strong lineup, and we’re just getting started.”
Dodgers’ starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a standout performance, recording a career-high 10 strikeouts, showcasing his dominance on the mound. The crowd of 52,029 at Dodger Stadium celebrated not only the win but also the team’s World Series victory over the New York Yankees last year.
As the Dodgers celebrated their win, the Tigers were left lamenting missed opportunities. Manager A.J. Hinch expressed frustration at his team’s inability to capitalize, saying, “We had chances, but we need to convert those opportunities into runs.”
The following night, the Dodgers continued their winning streak, completing a three-game sweep of the Tigers with a 7-3 victory on Saturday. The Tigers had a rocky start, scoring twice in the first inning but failing to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities throughout the series.
Freddie Freeman, who has been a key player for the Dodgers, launched a 418-foot homer in the first inning, his second in as many games. “It feels great to contribute like this early in the season,” Freeman said. “We’re all excited about how we’ve started.”
On the other hand, the Tigers struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0 for 15 in the series opener and continuing to falter with only two hits in their next two games. Hinch noted, “We’re not pressing, but we need to find a way to get that big hit when it counts.”
Saturday marked the Dodger Stadium debut for rookie Roki Sasaki, who faced challenges on the mound, walking four batters before being pulled in the second inning. Despite his electric stuff, Sasaki struggled with control, needing 41 pitches to get through the first inning alone.
“It was a tough outing, but I’m learning,” Sasaki acknowledged. “I know I need to improve my command.”
In a pivotal moment, the Dodgers broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning with a series of timely hits. Michael Conforto delivered an RBI double, and the Dodgers took advantage of a crucial error by the Tigers’ defense, extending their lead.
As the series concluded, the Dodgers showcased their depth and power, hitting three homers in each of the three games against the Tigers. Will Smith and Tommy Edman also contributed with home runs, demonstrating the team’s offensive prowess.
“One through nine, those are pretty tough at-bats all the way through,” Olson said. “You can't make too many mistakes or they're going to punish you.”
With the series wrapped up, the Dodgers are set to face tougher competition as they head to Seattle for their next series. The Tigers, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to convert their scoring opportunities into wins.
As the season unfolds, both teams will be looking to establish their identities and capitalize on the early momentum. For the Dodgers, the combination of a potent offense and strong pitching has set the tone for what could be a remarkable season.
“We’re just getting started, and we have a lot of work ahead,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated. “But I’m proud of how we’ve come out of the gate.”
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming games, the Dodgers are riding high on their early success, while the Tigers look to bounce back and turn their fortunes around.
