Dodgers Break Losing Streak with Big Win Over Pirates

(By Christian Monreal)

The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped their three-game losing streak Sunday afternoon with an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. After getting shut out 3-0 on Friday night by Pirates ace Paul Skenes and dropping Saturday’s game as well, the Dodgers were desperate to bounce back.

Rookie sensation Roki Sasaki took the mound for LA, still searching for his first Major League win. Although Sasaki’s first pitch of the game was hammered over the left-center field fence by O’Neil Cruz, the 22-year-old right-hander quickly settled down. Sasaki pitched into the sixth inning, allowing three runs while striking out four.

After the game, Manager Dave Roberts praised his young pitcher, saying, "He’s getting more efficient every time out. His confidence is growing, and it’s exciting to watch.”

Despite Sasaki’s solid outing, he exited with the game tied 3-3. The Dodgers' offense came alive late, beginning in the eighth inning. Teoscar Hernández broke the tie by crushing a go-ahead home run to left field. After a double by Tommy Edman and a walk to Will Smith, pinch hitter Enrique Hernández delivered the knockout punch—a three-run homer that broke the game open. It marked the Dodgers’ first pinch-hit home run of the season and the eighth of Hernández’s career.

Tanner Scott closed the door with a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win. With the victory, the Dodgers improved to 18-10 on the season and stayed within striking distance of first place in the NL West.

The Dodgers now look ahead to their next series, welcoming the Miami Marlins to town on Tuesday.