The Dodgers continued their magical start to the season with a 3-1 win over the Braves on Tuesday. They’re 7-0, the best start since they moved to LA. For perspective, only two better starts in franchise history: 1955 (10-0) and 1940 (9-0).
Dustin May returned to the mound after nearly two years off due to injuries and pitched 5 scoreless innings of 1 hit ball. Mookie Betts provided the offense with his 3rd go ahead homer of the season and the Dodgers are now 7-0.
Dustin May Shines in First Start Since 2023
May’s return to the mound was a real showstopper. After a 10-month layoff—the last time he pitched was May 17, 2023—May came back with a bang. He allowed just one hit and an unearned run. That run came courtesy of an error by Betts in the second inning. May struck out six and walked three. That kind of performance is a real testament to his—and the Dodgers’—faith in his ability to bounce back from Tommy John surgery and a torn flexor tendon in his right arm. Last season was a tough one for him, but he’s clearly come out the other side stronger.
Anthony Banda (2-0) closed out the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Tanner Scott earned his second save of the season. May wasn’t perfect, but he showed flashes of the electric stuff that made him such a valuable part of the Dodgers’ rotation. And that’s exactly what the Dodgers will be looking for as he moves forward.
Mookie Betts Powers Dodgers with Clutch Homer
Mookie Betts came through again, hitting his third go ahead homer of the season. The big shot came in the 6th inning, just clearing the left field wall to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Shohei Ohtani, who singled to lead off the inning, also scored on the play.
Betts’ heroics continue his incredible start to 2025 as he delivers in big moments. The Dodgers have now homered in 6 straight , they are a hot offense.
Braves Struggle to Find Their Groove
The Braves, meanwhile, dropped to 0-6 —their worst start since opening the 2016 season with nine consecutive losses. Despite a solid outing from reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale , Atlanta’s offense failed to capitalize on opportunities. Sale struck out five over five-plus innings but was pulled after Betts’ homer and a subsequent single by Tommy Edman.
Will Smith added an insurance run for the Dodgers with an RBI single later in the inning, sealing the victory.
Key Plays That Defined the Game
Teoscar Hernández’s Amazing Catch
One of the best plays of the game came in the 7th inning when Teoscar Hernández made a incredible catch. He leaned over the wall in right field to snag Drake Baldwin’s ball and then popped back up with the ball in his glove. The crowd went wild as Hernández celebrated the web gem.
Dodgers’ Historic Start
With their 7th straight win the Dodgers tied the 1933 New York Yankees for the longest unbeaten streak by a defending World Series champion to start a season.
Bullpen Shines
Anthony Banda (2-0) got the win with a scoreless inning and Tanner Scott got his 2nd save. The bullpen has been huge for the Dodgers so far.
Braves vs. Dodgers Finale
Wednesday: Braves RHP Bryce Elder makes his season debut. He’ll face Dodgers LHP Blake Snell (1-0, 3.60 ERA) who looks to build on his first start.
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