Dodgers Highlights: Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani & Kiké Hernández Home Runs Vs. Pirates

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated Dusty Baker during a pregame ceremony to begin Alumni Weekend at Dodger Stadium, and then snapped a two-game losing streak by defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Freddie Freeman got the Dodgers going early with a solo home run off Mitch Keller in the first inning. They added onto their lead with a five-run third inning that started on a two-run homer from Shohei Ohtani.

After a walk by Teoscar Hernández and Freeman’s double put two runners in scoring position, Will Smith’s check-swing produced a flare down the right-field line for a single that scored both.

Miguel Rojas, the newly-minted starting shortstop even once Mookie Betts returns, contributed with an RBI single.

Hernández’s RBI single in the fourth inning extended the Dodgers’ lead to 7-1, but it was cut in half when Jack Flaherty gave up a three-run homer in the fifth.

Flaherty allowed four runs — all on homers — over 5.2 innings pitched. He exited with two runners on, which were stranded by Anthony Banda. Flaherty’s 10 strikeouts matched his second-highest total of the season.

He also was part of rare MLB history along with Domingo Germán. They combined for just the second time ever in an MLB game that multiple pitchers wearing No. 0 appeared. The first instance was when the New York Mets played the Chicago Cubs on July 16, 2022, and Adam Ottavino and Marcus Stroman pitched.

Dodgers pull away

Just as the Pirates cut into their deficit, the Dodgers created more separation on Kiké Hernández’s drive to left field that skipped off Bryan Reynolds’ glove and carried over the fence for a two-run homer.

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