Dodgers Aim for Series Sweep Against Tigers in Thrilling Finale

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Dodgers will look to complete a three-game sweep against the Detroit Tigers in their season opener on Saturday. The game is set for 6:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers come off an exhilarating 8-5 victory on Friday night, where Mookie Betts emerged as the star, hitting a walk-off three-run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning. This victory followed a tightly contested game that saw multiple lead changes, showcasing the Dodgers’ tenacity.

Betts had an impressive outing, battling his way to a 3-2 count before sealing the win with a powerful drive into the night sky. “I can’t say enough about Mookie and the offense,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “They just keep persevering.”

The Tigers, managed by A.J. Hinch, are aiming for redemption after close losses in the first two games of the series. Despite their struggles, the team left an impression with their ability to stay competitive. “I love the way we’re battling and staying in these games,” Hinch noted. “We just need one more extra thing to happen our way, and this entire series could be different.”

In the game on Friday, the Tigers established leads during crucial moments but fell short due to late-game errors, including giving up five runs in the tenth inning. The players to watch for Detroit include Spencer Torkelson, who has recorded a home run and reached base five times in the series, and Dillon Dingler, who contributed significantly with a solo home run and a two-run triple.

The matchup on Saturday will feature Dodgers rookie right-hander Rōki Sasaki, who made headlines with his impressive MLB debut in Japan against the Chicago Cubs, where he managed to hold the opposition to one run despite walking five batters. Sasaki aims to harness his renowned splitter against a Tigers lineup that has shown flashes of power, including several home runs in the series.

Tigers right-hander Reese Olson, who posted a solid 3.53 ERA last season, will take the mound against Sasaki. Olson looks to continue his upward trajectory after battling through an injury last season. Both pitchers are pivotal to their team’s playoff aspirations, and each will seek to establish dominance early in the game.

The Dodgers, coming off a successful spring training and aiming for their latest World Series title, see this game as an essential part of building momentum for the season. Notably, both Tyler Glasnow and Dustin May are scheduled to pitch in future games, bringing depth to the Dodgers’ rotation.

As preparation for the game continues, the Dodgers are also managing player health. Betts, who recently battled a stomach virus and lost nearly 20 pounds, is expected to play as he builds up his strength. Meanwhile, the Tigers are monitoring the status of Gleyber Torres, who suffered an injury in the last game.

The finale promises to be a crucial to showcase the talents of both emerging stars and veteran players eager for a winning start to their seasons.