The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves with another comeback victory to remain undefeated, advancing their record to 7-0 and tying MLB history in the process.
The Dodgers tied the 1933 New York Yankees for the longest undefeated start to a season as the defending World Series champions. The 1985 Detroit Tigers are the only other club to reach a 6-0 start, while the 1934 New York Giants started their season 5-0 after winning the World Series.
In addition, the Dodgers have now had their best start in Los Angeles Dodger history by passing the 1981 club that started their season with six straight wins. The only other longer undefeated starts in franchise history came in 1955 (10-0) and 1940 (9-0).
It was also another comeback win for the Dodgers, their fifth of the season.
Mookie Betts fueled the offense with a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning while the Dodgers were trailing 1-0. The home run made up for his throwing error earlier in the game that gave the Braves a 1-0 lead.
After the Dodgers took the lead, Tommy Edman singled, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error, and Will Smith singled him home to make it a 3-1 game.
The game also proved to be an emotional night as Dustin May was back on the mound for his first appearance in a Major League game since May 17, 2023, a span of 685 days. May had undergone right flexor tendon surgery, Tommy John revision surgery and esophageal surgery in that time period.
“I think perspective is the word that comes to mind in these that he’s had some injuries he’s had to deal with,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “So it’s really made him appreciate being able to take the mound and being active in the big leagues.
“I think earlier on, there was a lot of youthful enthusiasm, emotion. I think now that he’s understanding how to channel it better, how to conserve energy into his starts, that’s certainly growth. But yeah, just like all things, as you get experiences, you kind of have a different perspective on things.”
May started his game as perfectly as he could have asked for, striking out the side and letting out all his emotion throughout. He ended up pitching five innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit with six strikeouts and three walks.
Following May, Anthony Banda, Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen each worked a scoreless inning before Tanner Scott recorded the save.
Dodgers battle against Chris Sale
The Dodgers struggled against the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, Chris Sale, for much of the night, but battled until they could finally break through. It continued a common theme this year that the Dodgers are never out of a game, and they will continue to fight until the final out is recorded.
Shohei Ohtani started their rally with a leadoff single in the sixth before Betts homered to give them the lead.
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