After defeating the winless Braves 3-1, the Dodgers are up to a franchise-best 7-0 behind Dustin May and Mookie Betts.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached a franchise milestone, improving to a record-breaking 7-0 after defeating the Atlanta Braves 3-1. This unprecedented start cements the Dodgers’ place as one of the most dominant teams in Major League Baseball early in the season, fueled by stellar pitching from Dustin May and the offensive leadership of Mookie Betts.
Dustin May Shines on the Mound
Dustin May, the young fireballer, delivered another standout performance, proving why the Dodgers have placed so much faith in him. In six strong innings, he limited the Braves to just one run while striking out eight. His fastball command was sharp, and his devastating curveball kept Atlanta hitters off balance throughout the evening.
May’s dominance has been a key component of the Dodgers’ early-season success. Through two starts, he has showcased remarkable control and endurance, providing the team with stability in the rotation following the departure of key arms in the offseason.
Mookie Betts’ Consistent Leadership
While the Dodgers’ pitching has been stellar, their offensive production continues to be paced by Mookie Betts. The former MVP went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, once again proving to be the catalyst at the top of the lineup.
Betts’ presence in the Dodgers’ lineup is invaluable. His combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes him one of the most complete players in the game. As the team surges forward in pursuit of sustained excellence, Betts remains a cornerstone of their success.
Breaking Down the Win Over Atlanta
The game was a tight contest from the start, with both teams exchanging scoring opportunities early on. The Braves struck first in the third inning when Matt Olson drove in a run with a sharp single to left field. However, the Dodgers quickly responded in the fourth, as Will Smith’s sacrifice fly brought home Freddie Freeman to tie the game at one apiece.
In the sixth inning, the Dodgers took control. With two outs, Betts lined a double into the left-center field gap, scoring James Outman from first base. Later in the inning, J.D. Martinez added an insurance run with a sharp single to center, making it 3-1. That lead held firm as the Dodgers’ bullpen shut the door in the later innings.
Dodgers’ Bullpen Seals the Deal
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been another highlight of their historic start. Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Alex Vesia combined for three scoreless innings, ensuring that Atlanta never mounted a comeback. Closer Evan Phillips recorded his third save of the season with a dominant ninth inning, striking out two batters to secure the victory.
The relief corps has been instrumental in the Dodgers’ early success, with manager Dave Roberts relying on a mix of power arms and situational specialists to finish games. The unit has been among the best in baseball, keeping opponents at bay even in tightly contested games.
Historic Start and What’s Ahead
The Dodgers’ 7-0 start is the best in franchise history, surpassing previous hot starts by teams that went on to achieve postseason success. While it’s still early in the season, their mix of dominant pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense has made them the team to beat in the National League.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will face their first significant road trip of the season, taking on division rivals in a series that could set the tone for the coming months. If their current form holds, they could establish themselves as early favorites for another deep postseason run.
For now, though, Dodgers fans can relish their team’s historic start, as they continue to ride the momentum of a well-balanced and incredibly talented squad.