The Los Angeles Dodgers received their 2025 World Series rings during a ceremony that featured the USC Trojan marching band and offered another opportunity to look back on some of the memorable moments from last October.
But then came the middle game of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which appeared primed for extra innings. That would’ve been apropos considering Brad Paisley sang the national anthem and he has a history of wild games at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers 5, Diamondbacks 4: key takeaways
Clayton Kershaw back at Dodger Stadium
Clayton Kershaw debuted as an analyst with NBC Sports on Opening Day, and remained in Los Angeles on Friday night so he could receive his World Series ring. Kershaw also shared news of having accepted a role in the Dodgers front office as a special assistant.
The Dodgers made a surprise change involving Kershaw as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch instead of Orel Hershiser. Kershaw then was presented with his 2025 ring by the entire Dodgers team.
Emmet Sheehan’s velocity
Emmet Sheehan’s season debut got off to an encouraging start as he struck out the side in the first inning. His fastball velocity, which was inconsistent if not down during Spring Training, averaged 95 mph in the opening frame.
Sheehan then ran into some trouble in the second inning that he nearly worked out of before allowing a two-out RBI double to Alek Thomas. Sheehan was aided by the Diamondbacks aggressively trying to score a second runner, who was thrown out by Alex Freeland on the relay.
Ketel Marte extended the Diamondbacks’ lead to 2-0 with a solo homer on a 3-0 count in the third inning. Sheehan wound up being removed after 3.1 innings. His fastball velocity decreased each inning.
Jack Dreyer allowed both inherited runners to score, which put four on the books for Sheehan.
Alex Freeland, Mookie Betts show power
In his first at-bat of the season, Alex Freeland connected on an 0-2 pitch for a solo home run that cut the Dodgers’ deficit in half in the bottom of the third inning. The Dodgers continued to rally from there and Mookie Betts put them ahead with a three-run homer. The opposite-field home run matched the combined total Betts had during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Kyle Tucker makes presence felt
Freeland’s leadoff double in the eighth inning sparked the Dodgers to a comeback win that was completed when Kyle Tucker pulled an RBI single into right field. The RBI was Tucker’s second in as many games with the Dodgers.
That allowed for Edwin Díaz to come in and convert his first save with the team. Díaz’s ballyhooed entrance was accompanied by a live trumpet performance.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
