KANSAS CITY, MO. (June 28, 2025) – The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their red-hot form and dealt the struggling Kansas City Royals another crushing blow, edging them 5–4 on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium. The result marked Kansas City’s 11th consecutive home game defeat—a franchise-worst stretch matched only in recent history.
Ohtani Delivers Once Again
Shohei Ohtani continued his MVP-level season with a sensational performance. He blasted a leadoff home run—his 29th of the year—and later delivered a clutch RBI triple in the fifth inning to tie the game. With precise execution, he punished Royals starter Noah Cameron, whose changeup failed him at the most critical moments.
Dodger Comeback and Key Hits
Ohtani’s triple followed an Enrique Hernández walk and set the stage for Mookie Betts to deliver a game-deciding RBI single. The Dodgers recorded only four hits but made each count—Betts’ timely hit marked their fourth and final, yet proved enough to salvage the victory .
In support, Max Muncy provided offense earlier with a two-run homer in the second inning, putting L.A. ahead before Kansas City responded.
Royals’ Brief Resurgence
The Royals took an early lead—1–0 in the first inning—courtesy of Maikel García’s two-out double and Salvador Perez’s run-scoring single. In the second, Kansas City seized control as Kyle Isbel’s RBI double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s two-run homer gave them a 4–3 advantage.
Despite outhitting the Dodgers 11–4, Kansas City repeatedly stranded runners in scoring position, a frustrating recurring theme this June.
Pitching and Defense Highlights
Noah Cameron (2–4) struggled, allowing five runs on three hits and three walks over just four-plus innings—his shortest career outing. The Dodgers countered with Dustin May, who yielded four runs in four innings. The bullpen was flawless: Lou Trivino earned the win with 1⅔ shutout innings, while Tanner Scott closed out the ninth inning for his 18th save, securing victory with a 4‑6‑3 groundout double play finished by Freddie Freeman’s stellar scoop at first.
Freddie Freeman’s defensive gem ended the game and prevented the tying run, showcasing why he’s a Gold Glove first baseman.
Historical Context and Team Momentum
With this win, the Dodgers have now claimed victory in five straight games and finished with a 13–4 record in their past 17 matchups, cementing their position at the top of MLB standings . The Royals, on the other hand, slipped to 0–11 at home in June—a dubious franchise record equaled only in 2023.
Next Up
Los Angeles will look to keep the momentum rolling as Ohtani is expected to pitch on Saturday, offering a rare two-way threat that could send Kansas City spiraling toward a record 12th straight home defeat. The Royals will attempt to break their skid and stabilize before the homestand concludes.
