The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped their two-game losing streak thanks to Freddie Freeman in their 4-1 comeback win against the Boston Red Sox to start the second half on a positive note.
Friday’s matchup was the first time the Red Sox played at Dodger Stadium since winning the 2018 World Series. They were primed for a slim victory before suffering a late-game collapse.
Gavin Stone largely worked his way out of trouble throughout the night but faced a deficit when he exited after allowing a leadoff single in the sixth inning. The Red Sox had taken their 1-0 lead on a solo home run from All-Star Game MVP Jarren Duran in the fifth inning.
Meanwhile, Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta shut the Dodgers out over six innings and collected eight strikeouts. L.A. managed just three baserunners during that span, one on a hit and two via walk.
Freddie Freeman had the big swing, but let's give Miguel Vargas credit for this throw and double play!
(ð¥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/QLFDaHk5P0— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 20, 2024
As the Dodgers bullpen was working to keep it a one-run game, Miguel Vargas atoned for a misplay earlier in the night by making a catch in left field for the start of a inning-ending double play in the eighth.
Freddie Freeman now has four grand slams with the #Dodgers and seven in his career.
(ð¥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/vTKvKQTIMg— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 20, 2024
Vargas then led off the bottom half of the eighth with a walk, and two batters later Shohei Ohtani found just enough of fair territory down the left-field line for a ground-rule double. That prompted the Red Sox to intentionally walk Will Smith to load the bases, which Freeman made them pay for with a grand slam.
The grand slam was Freeman’s seventh of his career, fourth with the Dodgers and second this season. Freeman is batting Is .556 (5-for-9) with two home runs and 17 RBI when the bases are loaded in 2024.
Freddie Freeman talks Dodgers injuries
Despite the rash of Dodgers injuries this season, the team has the second-best record in the National League and are marching toward another playoff berth via division title.
When discussing the injuries and various obstacles that have surfaced this season, Freeman explained his belief the Dodgers will ultimately be in a better position come October because of facing adversity.
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