Sun Jul 06 02:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Dodgers Suffer Humiliating Home Loss to Astros, 18-1**
**LOS ANGELES -** The Los Angeles Dodgers were handed a crushing defeat by the Houston Astros Friday night, losing 18-1 in what marked their worst-ever loss at Dodger Stadium. The game, the first of a three-game series between the division-leading teams, was marred by poor pitching and explosive offense from Houston.
The Astros were led by Jose Altuve, who tormented Dodgers pitching with three hits, including two home runs, and five RBIs. The Dodger Stadium crowd relentlessly booed Altuve, still holding a grudge for his role in the 2017 World Series scandal.
Dodgers starter Ben Casparius struggled mightily, surrendering six runs on nine hits in just three innings. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Casparius’s struggles, stating, “It seemed like they were on everything he threw up there… He’s got to execute better.”
The game spiraled out of control in the sixth inning when the Astros exploded for 10 runs, including a grand slam by Victor Caratini and a three-run homer by Altuve. This marked the most runs allowed in a single inning by the Dodgers this century.
Will Smith’s solo home run in the second inning was the Dodgers’ only run of the night. The defeat was reminiscent of a 19-2 loss the Brooklyn Dodgers suffered in 1947 against the New York Giants, before the franchise relocated to Los Angeles.
“That was one you want to flush as soon as possible,” said Roberts. “I don’t think there were many positives from this night.”
**Other MLB Highlights:**
* **Chicago:** The Chicago Cubs set a franchise record with eight home runs in an 11-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
* **Seattle:** Cal Raleigh hit two more home runs in the Mariners’ 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, tying Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for home runs before the All-Star break.
First Piper 