Sun Sep 21 04:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Dodgers Edge Giants 2-1 in Pitching Duel, Ohtani Sparks Offense**
**LOS ANGELES** – Shohei Ohtani sparked the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense with two doubles and a run scored as they squeaked out a 2-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night. Yoshinobu Yamamoto led a strong pitching performance, combining with five relievers to limit the Giants to just one hit, though not without some bullpen drama.
Yamamoto, despite allowing only a second-inning single to Patrick Bailey, struggled with control, walking six batters while striking out seven over 5+ innings. The Giants couldn’t capitalize on the free passes, however, as the Dodgers’ pitching staff ultimately held firm.
The Dodgers’ offense broke through in the sixth inning against Giants starter Logan Webb, who had matched Yamamoto’s one-hit performance until then. Ohtani drilled a one-out double, advanced to third, and scored on a fielding error by Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, following a ground ball from Mookie Betts. Freddie Freeman then drove in Ohtani with a single, providing what proved to be the winning run.
The Dodgers’ bullpen wobbled in the seventh, with Michael Kopech and Blake Treinen combining to walk four Giants and allowing a run. However, Anthony Banda delivered a clean eighth inning and Alex Vesia secured his fifth save of the season.
The win extends the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West to three games over the San Diego Padres. The Giants, meanwhile, suffered their fifth loss in six games, falling three games behind the New York Mets for the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has struggled with walks, issuing a total of 23 free passes in the first four games of their current homestand.
Looking ahead, Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw, who announced his impending retirement earlier in the day, is scheduled to make his final regular-season home start on Saturday against the Giants’ Robbie Ray.
First Piper 