The Los Angeles Dodgers finished off their short homestand by completing a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates that extended their winning streak to a season-high-tying six games on a sweltering afternoon.
The Dodgers now have 10 series sweeps this year, which is most in the National League. They swept back-to-back series for the first time since starting the 2025 season 8-0 behind victories over the Chicago Cubs (two), Detroit Tigers (three) and Atlanta Braves (three).
Dodgers 4, Pirates 0: key takeaways
Bottom of lineup produces
Shohei Ohtani’s leadoff walk and stolen base in the first inning helped lead to the Dodgers taking an early lead as Freddie Freeman singled and Mookie Betts drove a run in despite grounding into a double play.
The Dodgers’ offense otherwise was produced by the bottom half of their lineup. In the fourth inning, Tommy Edman’s hit by pitch and Kyle Tucker’s single led to a run when Alek Thomas delivered with two outs to give him a second RBI in as many starts with the Dodgers.
Hunter Feduccia’s RBI single then extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0. Following base hits by Freeman and Betts in the fifth inning, Max Muncy hit into a fielder’s choice that brought in a run.
Blake Snell
Blake Snell built on two impressive outings since returning from the 60-day injured list to hold the Pirates scoreless over six innings. The left-hander has completed six innings in all three starts after getting activated.
Snell wasn’t overly sharp but benefitted from an aggressive approach by Pittsburgh. He leaned heavily on the fastball to allow just two hits and finish with six strikeouts. Pirates batters were 0-for-10 with five strikeouts against Snell’s four-seam fastball.
Snell kept the Pirates off the scoreboard despite walking three batters and also hitting one. All three of Snell’s walks came with two outs and he did not retire the side in order until the sixth inning.
The outing nevertheless was a step forward from Snell’s career stats against the Pirates, as he entered 1-3 with a 7.27 ERA in six starts. When he faced the Pirates at PNC Park last season, Snell allowed five runs on nine hits in five innings.
Next for Dodgers
The Dodgers have an off day Monday before starting a six-game road trip comprised of matchups with the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers.
The Dodgers remain ahead of the Braves for the No. 2 seed in the NL, which would guarantee a first-round bye in the postseason. As for the matchup with the Tigers, Tarik Skubal is lined up to face his former teammates on Friday.
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