ARLINGTON, Texas — In a tightly contested game, the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to secure a 1-0 victory over the Texas Rangers. The game’s lone run came courtesy of Freddie Freeman, who ended a scoreless draw in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly. The Dodgers’ bullpen delivered a stellar performance to seal the shutout after starter Tyler Glasnow exited early with cramps in his lower leg. This victory marked another triumph in the Dodgers’ season campaign.
Shohei Ohtani made his return to the Dodgers’ lineup after a brief absence, taking time off for personal reasons following the birth of his first child. Although Ohtani did not record a hit, going 0-for-3, he played a pivotal role by drawing a walk that led to the game’s decisive run.
The crucial inning for the Dodgers began with a pinch-hitter, Will Smith, who managed a single off Chris Martin in the eighth. This was one of just three Dodgers hits on the day. Smith’s strategic advancement to second on Ohtani’s walk, followed by a deep fly out that moved him to third, set the stage for Freeman’s critical sacrifice fly, sending Smith home and giving Los Angeles the lead it needed.
Dodgers relievers Anthony Banda, Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer, Evan Phillips, and Tanner Scott expertly combined to keep the Rangers scoreless over the final five innings. Scott secured his eighth save of the season in the process. A notable defensive play occurred when Wyatt Langford, having rejoined the Rangers lineup, was caught stealing second, concluding the game.
Despite initial concerns, Glasnow stayed until the fourth inning, though his exit put pressure on the bullpen, which rose to the occasion. On the opposing side, Rangers starter Tyler Mahle put in an impressive performance. He pitched seven innings without allowing a run, yielding only two hits, striking out four, and walking three batters. This effort lowered his ERA to an impressive 0.68, the best in Major League Baseball, while his opponents’ batting average decreased to .112.
A significant moment in the game came when Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips struck out Adolis García, leaving the potential tying run stranded in the eighth inning. The effort from Phillips and his bullpen cohorts was crucial in maintaining the Dodgers’ narrow lead.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to hit the road on Tuesday. The Dodgers will feature RHP Dustin May against the Chicago Cubs, while the Rangers’ next challenge will see LHP Patrick Corbin opposing RHP Osvaldo Bido and the Athletics during their Sacramento trip.