While the Los Angeles Dodgers addressed roster needs with under-the-radar moves, they otherwise are counting on their stars to break out of respective slumps, and Freddie Freeman provided more reason for optimism in a 5-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
After Shohei Ohtani’s walk and Will Smith’s double set the table, Freeman’s two-run double gave the Dodgers a lead in the first inning.
Alex Freeland’s first career RBI extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0 in the fourth inning, and Mookie Betts added onto it with a sacrifice fly. Then in the fifth, Freeman connected for a solo home run that put the Dodgers up 5-0.
That raised his batting average on the season back to .300 for the first time since July 8. The improved results at the plate have come since Freeman was sent a picture of his batting stance from the 2024 World Series. That prompted Freeman to make an adjustment of getting more into his right ankle.
Clayton Kershaw protected the lead as he navigated through some stretches of traffic to hold the Rays scoreless over six innings. Although he allowed five hits, Friday’s start was Kershaw second of the season without issuing a walk.
Moreover, it marked Kershaw’s 86th career start of pitching at least six scoreless innings.
Justin Wrobleski, a starter by trade but currently in a bullpen role, followed Kershaw with a three-inning save to finish out the win. Wrobleski struck out four batters in a row before allowing a two-out single to Jonny DeLuca in the ninth.
Alex Call makes Dodgers debut
Brock Stewart, Alex Call and Paul Gervase were added onto the Dodgers roster prior to the game beginning. Stewart and Call took the places of Dustin May and James Outman respectively, and Gervase was recalled due to Kirby Yates going on the 15-day injured list.
Call pinch-hit for Michael Confrto in the eighth inning and remained in the game to play left field.
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