Dodgers Suffer Worst Loss in Dodger Stadium History
The Los Angeles Dodgers were handed their worst loss in the history of Dodger Stadium, falling 18-1 to the Houston Astros on Friday night. This matchup between division leaders quickly turned into a rout, with the Astros dominating from the start.
Astros’ Offensive Explosion
Jose Altuve homered twice, reaching base five times and driving in five runs, to lead the Astros’ onslaught. The team scored 10 runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by Victor Caratini’s grand slam and Altuve’s three-run shot. This marked the most runs given up in an inning by the Dodgers since April 23, 1999, when they allowed 11 to St. Louis.
Starting Pitching Performance
Lance McCullers Jr. of the Astros allowed one run and four hits in six innings, his second start since returning from a sprained right foot. He struck out four, contributing to the Dodgers being held to just five hits and Will Smith’s solo homer.
Early Lead for the Astros
The game began with Isaac Paredes hitting his first career leadoff homer on the first pitch from rookie Ben Casparius. Altuve doubled and scored on Walker’s RBI single, giving the Astros a 2-0 lead early on. Jake Meyers doubled and scored on Altuve’s 14th homer, further extending the Astros’ lead.
Breaking It Open
The sixth inning was where the Astros truly broke the game open. Smith had a bases-loaded RBI single, and reliever Noah Davis hit Walker with two strikes to force in a run. Caratini then hit his grand slam, followed by Meyers adding an RBI single and Altuve hitting his second homer of the night.
Dodgers’ Struggles
Ben Casparius allowed six runs and nine hits in three innings, striking out three. The Dodgers’ fans were vocal in their displeasure, particularly towards Altuve, booing him relentlessly and chanting "Cheater! Cheater!" due to his involvement in the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal.
Key Moments and Stats
Key Moment
Ohtani hit a 96-mph line drive off the left heel of McCullers in the third, which was caught by shortstop Mauricio Dubón for a rare 1-6 putout.
Key Stat
Cooper Hummel’s pinch-hit single in the fifth snapped a streak of 12 1/3 hitless innings by the Dodgers bullpen.
Up Next
Astros LHP Framber Valdez (9-4, 2.72 ERA) starts Saturday, while Dodgers RHP Shohei Ohtani (0-0, 2.25) will throw two innings as the opener on his 31st birthday.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ historic loss to the Astros serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the league. Despite their status as defending World Series champions, the Dodgers were outplayed in every aspect of the game. This loss will surely be a motivator for the team to regroup and come back stronger in the next matchup.
FAQs
- Q: What was the final score of the game?
- A: The Houston Astros won 18-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Q: Who led the Astros in runs batted in (RBIs)?
- A: Jose Altuve drove in five runs.
- Q: What was notable about the sixth inning?
- A: The Astros scored 10 runs in the sixth inning, including a grand slam by Victor Caratini and a three-run homer by Jose Altuve.
- Q: How did the Dodgers’ fans react to Jose Altuve?
- A: Dodgers fans booed Altuve throughout his at-bats and chanted "Cheater! Cheater!" due to his involvement in the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal.
- A: Dodgers fans booed Altuve throughout his at-bats and chanted "Cheater! Cheater!" due to his involvement in the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal.
