Dodgers Recap: Kim Impresses in First MLB Start, Dodgers Top Marlins 7–4

MIAMI – Fresh off a series win over the Atlanta Braves, the Los Angeles Dodgers carried their momentum into South Florida, opening their three-game series against the Miami Marlins with a 7–4 victory at loanDepot Park. The night featured a standout debut from rookie Hyeseong Kim and a milestone home run from Freddie Freeman, as the Dodgers rolled in a bullpen game.

Left-hander Jack Dreyer got the start and set the tone early, retiring all four batters he faced across 1.1 innings of work. He was followed by Ben Casparius, who pitched the bulk of the game. Casparius continued his audition for a potential rotation or long-relief role, tossing four innings while allowing five hits, one earned run, walking two, and striking out five.

The Dodgers struck first in the opening frame, when Mookie Betts led off with a double and came around to score on a Teoscar Hernández RBI double, putting L.A. up 1–0. Two innings later, Freeman extended the lead with a two-run blast, the 350th home run of his illustrious career, giving the Dodgers a 3–0 cushion.

Hernández was removed from the game in the fourth inning with left hamstring tightness, and his status moving forward remains uncertain.

In the top of the fifth, the spotlight shifted to rookie infielder Hyeseong Kim, who made his first Major League start in place of the injured Tommy Edman. Kim recorded his first career hit with a sharp single off Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. Moments later, Shohei Ohtani launched a two-run homer, his 9th this season, pushing the lead to 5–0.

Kim wasn’t done. In the sixth, he added his second hit of the game, an RBI single to score Andy Pages, notching his first career RBI and extending the Dodgers’ lead to 6–0.

Casparius allowed his lone run in the bottom of the sixth before being relieved by Alex Vesia, who entered with two runners aboard and quickly slammed the door with a scoreless frame. Evan Phillips followed in the seventh with a clean inning of his own.

Chris Taylor tacked on an RBI double in the top of the seventh to round out the score 7-1.

Yoedrys Gomez relieved Philips in the eighth, pitching 0.1 innings and allowing three hits, three earned runs, and one home run while striking out one. Scott followed and seemingly escaped the inning, avoiding further damage.

Kirby Yates entered the ninth inning, relieving Scott to secure the game and earn the save. The Dodgers won this matchup 7-4.

It was a well-rounded effort from the Dodgers. Casparius was impressed in long relief, and Kim delivered a memorable first career start with two hits, an RBI, and a stolen base. Freeman continued to add to his Hall of Fame résumé. L.A. executed across the board from the top of the lineup to the bullpen to take the series opener.