The Los Angeles Dodgers will be tough to beat if everyone in their batting order can find their stroke. The Texas Rangers experienced that during their June 11 game at Dodger Stadium. With the home team already up 7-1, the Dodgers turned the bottom of the sixth inning into a hitting masterclass.
Shohei Ohtani started the home run party with a two-run blast to right center field. He and Mookie Betts safely crossed home plate to make the count 9-1. Moments later, Freddie Freeman earned his ninth home run in 2024, sending the ball to left center field.
Teoscar Hernandez, the National League Player of the Week from June 3-9, connected on his 17th home run, giving the Dodgers an 11-run advantage. Finally, Jason Heyward joined the fun with a two-run home run to right field.
The @Dodgers slam FOUR home runs in one inning for the win, their 9th in the last 13 games. pic.twitter.com/1lB1D4FpDh
— MLB (@MLB) June 12, 2024
That seven-run inning doubled the Dodgers’ total to 14. Miguel Vargas’ sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh gave Los Angeles their last score.
The 15-2 count is the Dodgers’ ninth victory in their last 13 games. That stretch includes two victories against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, James Paxton earned his sixth win this season after giving up one run and two hits in six innings.
The victory improved the Dodgers’ record to 42-26, the best record in the National League West and winners in four of their last five games. They are also four games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL’s best record.
-Lance Fernandez