The 2025 Major League Baseball season kicked off in dramatic fashion as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Detroit Tigers 5-4 in a thrilling season opener at Dodger Stadium. This game, full of tense moments, clutch performances, and a dramatic finish, set the tone for what promises to be another exciting year of baseball in the City of Angels. The Dodgers, one of the most successful teams in recent MLB history, entered the 2025 season with high expectations, while the Tigers, a team in the midst of rebuilding, hoped to surprise and show signs of progress.
This season opener offered a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams as they look to navigate the 162-game marathon. The Dodgers’ strong lineup, deep pitching staff, and experienced leadership from manager Dave Roberts were on full display, while the Tigers’ youth and potential were evident, especially in moments of promise. Despite the Tigers’ valiant effort, the Dodgers proved to be just too much, holding off a late surge by Detroit to claim the victory.
Setting the Stage
The matchup between the Dodgers and Tigers was filled with anticipation for multiple reasons. For the Dodgers, 2025 marks another opportunity to build on their recent successes. Despite some key offseason changes, including the departure of some veteran players and the addition of fresh faces, the Dodgers’ lineup still boasts some of the best talent in the league. From reigning NL MVP Freddie Freeman to perennial All-Star Mookie Betts, the Dodgers have the firepower to compete with anyone. Their pitching staff, led by ace Clayton Kershaw, is also a force to be reckoned with, even as Kershaw enters the twilight years of his career.
On the other side, the Detroit Tigers entered 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism. After years of rebuilding, Detroit finally has a mix of young talent and experienced players who could potentially make noise in the American League. With promising young stars like Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, and the electric pitching duo of Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal, the Tigers are beginning to show signs of turning the corner.
The season opener at Dodger Stadium under the bright Los Angeles sun was the perfect setting for what would become a nail-biting encounter.
Game Recap: A Thrilling Back-and-Forth Battle
First Inning: Dodgers Strike First
The game began with high expectations, as Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw took the mound for his 17th season opener with the team. The left-hander, who has long been the face of the franchise, was looking to deliver a solid performance in front of the home crowd. Kershaw’s repertoire of sliders, fastballs, and curveballs were all on display early as he retired the first three batters he faced with minimal trouble.
In the bottom of the first inning, the Dodgers wasted no time in showing their offensive firepower. Mookie Betts led off the inning with a single to center field, setting the stage for the heart of the lineup. Freddie Freeman, always a threat with the bat, followed with a deep double to left field, advancing Betts to third. The Tigers, with their young pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, found themselves in a quick jam. The Dodgers wasted no time capitalizing on the scoring opportunity.
With runners at second and third, Max Muncy, who had a breakout year in 2024, was up next. Muncy, ever the clutch performer, drove a 2-1 pitch to the opposite field, scoring Betts and Freeman to give the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. The crowd erupted as the Dodgers flexed their offensive muscle in the early going.
Second Inning: Kershaw Battles Through
The Tigers came to bat in the top of the second inning with the desire to make a quick comeback. Kershaw, who was masterful in the first inning, found himself in a bit of a battle with the heart of the Tigers’ order. Spencer Torkelson, who has emerged as one of Detroit’s most promising young hitters, worked Kershaw for a walk to lead off the inning. Kershaw then battled back, striking out Riley Greene on a beautiful curveball that had the crowd buzzing.
However, the Tigers responded. With Torkelson still standing on first, Miguel Cabrera, the future Hall of Famer playing in what is likely his final season, stepped to the plate. Cabrera, despite being in the twilight of his career, still has the ability to make an impact in clutch moments. The veteran slugger laced a single into right field, advancing Torkelson to second base.
The Tigers were in business, but Kershaw tightened his grip, inducing a ground ball from Jeimer Candelario to end the threat. Although the Tigers didn’t score in the second inning, their patience against Kershaw showed they weren’t going down without a fight.
Third Inning: Tigers Pull Ahead
The third inning would prove to be a pivotal moment in the game, as the Tigers managed to score a trio of runs. Kershaw, while still efficient, ran into trouble as he gave up a single to Kerry Carpenter, followed by another walk to Parker Meadows. With two on and one out, the stage was set for Detroit to break through.
Cameron Maybin, one of Detroit’s veteran outfielders, hit a solid single to center field, driving in Carpenter to get the Tigers on the board. Then, with runners at first and second, rookie shortstop Ryan Kreidler came to the plate. Kreidler, known for his knack for clutch hitting, doubled off the wall in left field, scoring Meadows and Maybin. Just like that, the Tigers found themselves with a 3-2 lead, stunning the home crowd at Dodger Stadium.
With the Tigers now ahead, Kershaw was forced to regroup. However, despite giving up the lead, he was able to settle in, retiring the next two batters to minimize the damage. The game had suddenly turned in Detroit’s favor, but the Dodgers were far from out of it.
Fourth Inning: Dodgers Respond with Power
With the lead now in the Tigers’ hands, the Dodgers wasted no time in responding. In the bottom of the fourth, Will Smith, one of the best all-around catchers in the league, led off with a double down the right-field line. Smith has developed into one of the Dodgers’ most consistent offensive threats, and he was eager to spark a rally.
After a walk to Chris Taylor, the Dodgers had two runners on with no outs. Rodriguez, who had pitched well to this point but was beginning to show signs of fatigue, faced a critical moment. The Dodgers’ veteran third baseman, Justin Turner, stepped to the plate. Turner, known for his postseason heroics and clutch hitting, took a 1-0 pitch deep to left field, easily clearing the fence for a three-run home run. The Dodgers reclaimed the lead, 5-3, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Turner’s timely blast turned the momentum back in Los Angeles’ favor, but there was still plenty of game left to play. Rodriguez, visibly shaken by the home run, retired the next three batters to stop the bleeding, but the Dodgers now had the upper hand.
Fifth Inning and Beyond: A Tense Final Stretch
The next few innings were a battle of wills as both teams traded blows but failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Kershaw continued to pitch with poise, striking out Tigers’ hitters and keeping them off balance. His fastball was still sitting in the low 90s, and his curveball was bending beautifully, keeping Detroit’s lineup at bay.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense refused to back down. In the top of the seventh inning, the Tigers cut the Dodgers’ lead to 5-4, as Miguel Cabrera—ever the professional hitter—singled in a run with a line drive to right field. The Tigers had another opportunity to tie the game, but Kershaw and the Dodgers’ bullpen, now with Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips on the mound, managed to hold them off.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers’ offense was able to put together a couple of threats but failed to increase their lead. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman each reached base, but a stellar defensive play by the Tigers’ shortstop, Kreidler, ended any hope for further scoring.
The tension continued to build as the game moved into the final inning. With a 5-4 lead, the Dodgers handed the ball to their closer, Craig Kimbrel, for the save. Kimbrel, one of the most experienced and reliable closers in baseball, was looking to seal the victory for the Dodgers. Despite a scare, including a leadoff walk to Torkelson, Kimbrel struck out the final two batters, including Riley Greene, to give the Dodgers the win.
A Successful Start to the Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a narrow but well-earned 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers to open the 2025 MLB season. The game featured stellar pitching from Kershaw and timely offense, particularly from Justin Turner’s three-run home run. While the Tigers fought valiantly and showcased their potential, they couldn’t overcome the experience and depth of the Dodgers.
For the Dodgers, this victory marks a solid start to their quest for a championship in 2025. Despite losing some key players in the offseason, the team’s balance, power, and pitching depth are evident, making them one of the favorites in the National League once again. The Tigers, on the other hand, proved they are a team on the rise, with plenty of young talent ready to contribute. While they didn’t get the win, their performance in this game showed that they are a team to watch as they continue to rebuild and improve.
In the end, the 2025 MLB season opener lived up to the hype, delivering excitement, drama, and a preview of what should be an unforgettable season of baseball. The Dodgers may have come out on top, but both teams showcased their strengths, setting the stage for what promises to be an incredible year in Major League Baseball.