- Dodgers-Yankees series is not only a rematch, it could define Ohtani and Judge's season
- The Dodgers can't ignore Shohei Ohtani's spark as Yamamoto battles mounting setbacks
The Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a historic performance Saturday night, dismantling the New York Yankees 18-2 in what became a record-breaking display of offensive firepower. The victory marked the most runs ever scored by a National League team against the Yankees, as the Dodgers pounded out 21 hits and showcased their dominance from the very first inning. Home runs from Max Muncy, Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim, and rookie Dalton Rushing helped fuel the rout, leaving the Yankees with no answers on the mound or at the plate.
Yankees starter Will Warren struggled from the outset, throwing 39 pitches in the first inning alone as the Dodgers jumped out to a 4-0 lead. RBI singles from Will Smith and Muncy, a sacrifice fly by Michael Conforto, and Tommy Edman's RBI double set the tone early.
But Los Angeles was far from finished. Muncy crushed a towering 400-foot home run in the second inning-his 200th career blast-forcing Warren out of the game. Edman added another RBI double before Kim launched a 412-foot shot, solidifying a 10-0 advantage before the second inning even ended.
The Dodgers continued their relentless attack, adding six more runs throughout the night. Muncy belted a second home run off Mark Leiter Jr. in the fifth, while Pages sent a solo shot into the stands in the seventh. Rookie Dalton Rushing punctuated the performance with his first career home run, a three-run blast off Yankees utility man Pablo Reyes, who was forced into pitching duties in the eighth inning. The offensive explosion was so dominant that Shohei Ohtani, caught on camera in the dugout, was seen taking a nap during the rout-a rare sight that summed up just how effortless the night was for Los Angeles.
The Dodger were dominating on all faces
Los Angeles' pitching staff held firm behind starter Landon Knack, who delivered a solid six-inning outing, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six. The Yankees managed their only runs courtesy of Aaron Judge, who hit his 20th and 21st home runs of the season in a lone bright spot for New York. Despite Judge's individual efforts, the Yankees were unable to generate any momentum against the overpowering Dodgers offense.
The win pushed the Dodgers to 36-22 on the season, solidifying their place among the National League's elite teams. The Yankees, now 35-22, will need to regroup quickly after suffering one of their worst defeats in recent history. The series finale on Sunday will see veteran Ryan Yarbrough take the mound for New York against Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as Los Angeles looks to complete a commanding sweep.
With their explosive offensive display and dominant pitching, the Dodgers sent a clear message to the rest of the league. If this performance is any indication, the reigning World Series champions are not only a formidable force-they are a team capable of delivering spectacular wins in the biggest matchups. As the season progresses, this victory may serve as a defining moment in Los Angeles' quest for another deep postseason run.