Dodgers Sweep Tigers with Dramatic Comeback in Thrilling 5-0 Start

LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their perfect start to the season to 5-0 following a thrilling comeback against the Detroit Tigers.

Originally, regular No. 2 hitter Mookie Betts had a scheduled day off because of a stomach virus, prompting manager Dave Roberts to adjust the batting order. Having emerged as a pivotal player in recent games, Teoscar Hernández was moved to second in the lineup just an hour before the first pitch against right-hander Reese Olson.

The decision proved vital when the Tigers intentionally walked superstar Shohei Ohtani with a runner on third. Hernández stepped up to the plate in a crucial moment and delivered a two-run double that propelled the Dodgers to a 5-3 victory, continuing their momentum from the first four games of the season.

“Just kind of thinking through things, I just felt that if you slide Teo up, I felt good about that,” Roberts said. “And it just worked out.”

Despite the win, the Dodgers showed signs of vulnerabilities throughout the matchup. Rookie Roki Sasaki struggled in his start, unable to escape the second inning after issuing four walks. The team managed only two runs early, before Hernández’s clutch hit in the fifth allowed them to take control.

“The bullpen did a fantastic job … and obviously the offense picked us up and scored some runs when we needed to,” Roberts added, highlighting the collective effort needed to maintain composure against a resilient Tigers squad.

Hernández’s performance was key to the catalyst for scoring this season, with his two-run double being a testament to timely hitting. The game marked the second series sweep for the Dodgers to begin the year.

The game also held significance as the Dodgers honored their previous season’s accomplishments, with Hernández, Betts, and Ohtani receiving their Silver Slugger Awards. Additionally, former postseason hero now with the Tigers, was honored with his World Series ring in a heartfelt ceremony.

Freddie Freeman, who also hit a home run in the game, emphasized the importance of performing well in front of their home crowd while celebrating their championship legacy. “To go out there and play a good baseball game, get the sweep in front of our fans, while we celebrate last year,” Freeman remarked.

Though Sasaki’s struggles raised concerns, with Roberts noting his command issues that he experienced from Japan last season, the bullpen effectively staved off further damage. In total, they combined for 7 ⅓ innings of solid relief, allowing the team to close out the game without any further runs allowed.

Ohtani later added an insurance run, while a defensive mix-up by Hernández in the seventh proved to be the only blemish in an otherwise commendable performance.

As the Dodgers continue their title defense, the focus will shift towards continuing this level of play, especially for Sasaki as he works to regain his form. “Roki, throughout his entire career, he’s been a command guy,” Roberts added. “Right now it’s just not syncing up, but we’re going to keep working on it.”

The Dodgers’ perfect start marks them as just the fourth defending champion in Major League Baseball history to begin a season with five consecutive wins. The team demonstrated resilience repeatedly, having erased early deficits in four of their five games so far.

“It’s been a great weekend,” Freeman concluded. The Dodgers’ next game is set as they look to sustain their momentum and remain undefeated.