In a season with many twists and turns, the Dodgers have culminated their 2025 home games with a final four-game series against the rival San Francisco Giants. They won the series 3-1, helping stay on top of their division as they push to clinch the National League West.
Game one showcased an excellent pitching performance by the Dodgers’ arms, though they struggled with pitch control, walking ten total batters. Six of these walks came from starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, although he still managed to throw 5 1/3 scoreless innings, only allowing one hit.
While Yamamoto has had a Cy Young-caliber season, his pitching control may be worrisome for the playoffs, especially as this game was the most walks he has allowed all season. If he manages to locate his pitches in a more effective manner, he has the potential to play a key role in bringing another ring back to Los Angeles.
The team’s offense was nothing special in this game, mostly carried by two doubles from two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. The team only tallied five hits, as Giants starter Logan Webb shoved through seven dominant innings. Los Angeles still walked away with a 2-1 victory.
The Dodgers’ 17-year pitcher Clayton Kershaw made his final start at home, as he just announced last week that he plans to retire after this season. The three-time Cy Young award winner went 4 1/3innings in his final home start, striking out six batters.
Shohei Ohtani and Miguel Rojas helped bring a win home for the team with their homeruns in game two, with a 6-3 victory. After the game, Kershaw offered his final thanks to fans, appreciating not only the ovations he received that night, but throughout his career.
Game three was an offensive battle, as both teams started off hot. The Giants put up four runs in the first inning against right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow, but they fell short of a victory, as the Dodgers came on top 7-5 at the end.
Multiple Dodgers players raked at the plate. Outfielder Michael Conforto, who’s struggled as of late, tallied three hits, one of which being a longball. Once again, Shohei Ohtani homered to give himself 53 home runs on the season.
The final game was a 3-1 loss for Los Angeles, but Emmet Sheehan’s dominance on the mound spells promise for October. The 25- year-old went seven scoreless innings, allowing one run and striking out ten.
After such a terrific performance, manager Dave Roberts stated that Sheehan “has certainly gained a lot of confidence,” and he is excited to see the impact the right-hander can make in October. Sheehan has been stellar this season ever since coming back in June from Tommy John surgery. It was eventually reliever Blake Trienen who struggled on the mound, contributing to the team’s loss.
The Dodgers will now travel to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks. With just two final series’ left, the team will still be making a vital push toward clinching their division once again.