Steve Webb
Game 132, 8/27/2024: Dodgers 2, Orioles 3
CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — In a tightly contested game at Dodger Stadium, one swing of the bat made all the difference as the Baltimore Orioles edged out the Dodgers 3-2. The game’s pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when Ramón Urías launched a two-run home run, putting the Orioles ahead and securing a lead they would not relinquish.
The Orioles struck first with a solo home run by Ryan O’Hearn in the second inning, giving them an early 1-0 lead. The Dodgers quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning when Tommy Edman tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Miguel Rojas, tying the game at 1-1.
In the third inning, the Dodgers took the lead when Teoscar Hernández singled home Shohei Ohtani, making it 2-1. However, that lead was short-lived. In the fifth inning, after Jackson Holliday singled, Urías delivered his decisive two-run blast off Dodgers’ starter Jack Flaherty. The home run turned a one-run deficit into a 3-2 advantage for Baltimore.
Flaherty pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out five. Despite the loss, he kept the Dodgers in the game, but the offense couldn’t provide the necessary support. A scary moment came in the fifth when Flaherty took a liner off the wrist. He shook off the pain and stayed in the game, but needed to be taped up between innings. Hopefully, there won’t be any lingering issues going forward, as the Dodgers are pitching-strapped as it is.
The Dodgers had their opportunities but failed to capitalize, going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. They left seven men on base, including a crucial missed chances in the fifth when they had men on first and second with nobody out and in the bottom of the eighth when Mookie Betts singled and stole second base, only to be stranded as Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith struck out consecutively.
The Orioles’ bullpen was stellar in relief of starter Cole Irvin. Matt Bowman, who picked up his first win of the season, combined with Cionel Pérez, Yennier Cano, and Seranthony Domínguez to shut down the Dodgers over the final 4.2 innings. Domínguez secured his seventh save by getting Chris Taylor to line out to left field, ending the game with the potential tying and winning runs on base.
This narrow victory kept the Orioles in a tight race in the AL East, while the Dodgers missed an opportunity to extend their lead in the NL West. Ultimately, it was Urías’ one swing that proved to be the difference, highlighting the fine margins that often determine the outcome in baseball.
Walker Buehler will be back on the mound on Wednesday to try to get himself right yet again. He’ll be facing off against Corbin Burnes (12-6, 3.28 ERA, 146 SO), who started extremely strong, but has struggled of late. Which probably means he’ll throw a no-hitter. In addition, it’s going to be a Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night on Wednesday, so get to the stadium well in advance of the 7:10 first pitch.
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