Dodgers Recap: Shohei pitches two quality innings, but Lugo shuts down LA offense

KANSAS CITY — It had been 675 days since Shohei Ohtani pitched multiple innings, and on Saturday, he delivered an efficient and encouraging performance. His final line: 27 pitches (20 strikes), 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, and 3 swinging strikes.

Freddie Freeman showed signs of life, going 3-for-3 with a home run—his first multi-hit game since June 7—and scoring the Dodgers’ lone run through the first several innings. However, the Dodgers were outhit and outplayed in Kansas City in this one, seeing their five-game winning streak snapped in a 9–5 loss to the Royals.

After a pitching duel through the first two innings, the Dodgers threatened in the third. Freeman drew a walk, and Max Muncy pushed him to third on a line drive single to left. But Teoscar Hernández grounded out softly up the middle, stranding both runners.

The Royals struck first when Maikel Garcia’s two-run double off the left-field wall—just beyond Michael Conforto’s reach—scored Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. Despite reportedly feeling ill, Jack Casparius escaped the inning by striking out Vinnie Pasquantino and the Dodgers got into the dugout trailing only 2-0.

However, the day finally took its toll on Casparius, who has been one of the Dodgers’ most reliable arms. Kansas City blew the game open with a four-spot in the fifth inning. They added their third run of the game when India’s ground-ball single to right scored Kyle Isbel. With two on and one out, Casparius left a breaking ball up, and Pasquantino crushed a three-run homer to straightaway center, giving the Royals a commanding 6–0 lead.

The Royals added on in the seventh with back-to-back-to-back doubles by India, Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez, extending their lead to 9–1.

The Dodgers pushed across four runs late to make the final score more respectable, showing signs of life that could carry into Sunday’s rubber match.

Offensively, the Dodgers struggled to find rhythm, and defensive miscues added to the frustration. Still, there were positives: Freeman’s three-hit night and homer, Hyeseong Kim’s relentless hustle and 20th stolen base of the season, and Ohtani’s promising outing, marked by strong velocity and improved command.

The Dodgers will look to bounce back and win the series in Sunday’s finale at Kauffman Stadium when they match up against the Royals’ best starter this year, lefty Kris Bubic (6-5, 2.18 ERA, 96 SO). First pitch is at 11:10 AM PDT on SportsNet LA. Let’s close out the road trip with a W!

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