In yet another commanding performance that showcased their depth and versatility, the Los Angeles Dodgers earned a critical victory thanks to an electric relief outing by rookie Justin Wrobleski and timely offensive firepower from veterans Enrique “Kiké” Hernández and Will Smith. On a night when the team needed stability from the bullpen and pop from the lineup, both facets delivered in style.
Wrobleski’s Star-Making Performance
Justin Wrobleski may not yet be a household name among Major League Baseball fans, but if his latest outing is any indication, it won’t be long before that changes.
Called upon in the third inning after starter Gavin Stone exited early due to pitch count and managerial caution, Wrobleski inherited a tense situation. The opposing team had runners on base and momentum on their side. But the 23-year-old left-hander showed poise well beyond his years, striking out the first batter he faced and escaping the inning without damage.
From there, Wrobleski embarked on what could only be described as a tour de force. Over 4.2 innings of scoreless relief, he allowed just two hits, issued no walks, and struck out six. The most impressive part? He did it with complete command, mixing a biting slider, deceptive changeup, and a lively fastball that touched 96 mph.
“I just wanted to attack the zone,” Wrobleski said in the postgame press conference. “These guys behind me play great defense, and I trusted them. Will (Smith) called a great game, and I just followed the plan.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was effusive in his praise. “That was as good a long relief outing as you’re going to see,” Roberts said. “He picked us up in a huge way tonight. He’s earned our trust.”
Wrobleski’s outing not only neutralized a dangerous lineup but also allowed the Dodgers to preserve the rest of their bullpen — a major bonus as they head into a stretch of 13 games in 14 days.
Kiké Hernández Ignites the Offense
While Wrobleski kept the game locked down from the mound, Enrique Hernández brought the energy from the batter’s box. Batting eighth and playing third base, Hernández reminded everyone why he remains such a valuable utility player on this star-studded roster.
In the bottom of the fourth, with the score tied 1–1, Hernández delivered a go-ahead two-run double down the left-field line. The ball screamed off his bat at 106 mph and easily scored both runners from second and third. The Dodger Stadium crowd roared with approval, and Hernández fired up his teammates with an exuberant double-fist pump at second base.
“Sometimes you just need a spark, and Kiké is that guy,” said Mookie Betts, who was resting but cheering from the dugout. “He brings the energy, and when he hits, it lifts everyone.”
Hernández wasn’t done. In the sixth inning, he added a solo homer — a 397-foot shot into the left-field pavilion — that gave the Dodgers a 5–2 cushion. It was his fourth homer of the season and a timely reminder that even role players on this roster are capable of game-changing performances.
Will Smith Stays Red Hot
While Kiké provided the flair, Will Smith supplied the consistency. The All-Star catcher has been one of the most dependable hitters in the Dodgers’ lineup all season, and Tuesday night was no exception.
Smith went 3-for-4 with a walk, including an RBI double in the third inning that tied the game and an opposite-field single in the seventh that extended the lead to 6–2. He raised his season batting average to .308 and now has 52 RBIs — second on the team behind Shohei Ohtani.
“Will’s a pro,” Roberts said. “He gives you quality at-bats every time up. And the work he does behind the plate with our pitchers — especially young guys like Wrobleski — you can’t overstate how valuable that is.”
Indeed, Smith’s pitch-calling and framing were instrumental in Wrobleski’s success. Multiple times during the outing, cameras caught Smith and Wrobleski in sync, nodding in agreement on pitch selection and strategy. It’s no wonder pitchers young and old rave about working with the veteran backstop.
Bullpen Locks It Down
After Wrobleski exited in the eighth inning to a standing ovation, the Dodgers turned to their late-inning arms to shut the door. Ryan Brasier and Evan Phillips each tossed scoreless frames to preserve the win.
Phillips, the team’s closer, earned his 18th save of the season. With a 1.94 ERA and a WHIP below 1.00, he’s become one of the most reliable ninth-inning men in baseball.
The Dodgers bullpen as a whole continues to shine. Over the past 15 games, the relievers boast a combined ERA of 2.31 — third-best in the majors during that span. With Wrobleski’s emergence and established arms like Phillips, Brasier, and Daniel Hudson, Los Angeles has a bullpen built for October.
A Balanced Lineup Pays Dividends
With Shohei Ohtani getting a night off and Mookie Betts still recovering from injury, the Dodgers needed others to step up — and they did. Every starting position player reached base at least once, and five different players drove in runs.
Freddie Freeman extended his hitting streak to nine games, going 2-for-5 with a double. Jason Heyward drew two walks and made a diving catch in right field that saved a run. Miguel Rojas, filling in at shortstop, laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt and later turned a slick double play.
This type of team-wide contribution has become a hallmark of the 2025 Dodgers. It’s not just about the superstars — it’s about the collective.
“You win over 100 games with depth,” said Freeman. “Tonight was another example of that.”
A Night of Momentum and Confidence
This win comes at a pivotal moment for the Dodgers. With a tight race atop the NL West and the All-Star break fast approaching, momentum is critical. Tuesday’s win was their third in a row and moved them to 52–30 on the season, a half-game up on the San Diego Padres.
More importantly, it signaled that the Dodgers can win in multiple ways — with youth, with veterans, and with power or finesse.
Justin Wrobleski’s dominant performance won’t soon be forgotten, and it may signal a larger role moving forward. As Roberts put it: “We always talk about guys stepping up. Wrobleski didn’t just step up — he took over the game.”
What’s Next for Wrobleski?
Wrobleski’s performance raises the question: Will he remain in the bullpen, or is a spot in the rotation in his future?
With Yoshinobu Yamamoto recovering from a minor back issue and Tyler Glasnow managing his innings, the Dodgers could opt to stretch Wrobleski out. He was a starter in the minors, after all, and his stamina looked impressive.
“I’m here to help however I can,” Wrobleski said. “If that’s long relief, a start, or one inning, I’m ready.”
For now, the Dodgers will likely take it day by day, but one thing’s certain: Wrobleski is no longer just a promising prospect — he’s a trusted arm in one of baseball’s best pitching staffs.
Final Score: Dodgers 7, Opponent 2
The Dodgers improved to 52–30 with the win. Wrobleski earned the win (his second of the year), while Hernández and Smith provided the offensive fireworks.
The team now turns its attention to Game 2 of the series, with Bobby Miller set to take the mound. He’ll face a red-hot opposing lineup, but the Dodgers — with their rejuvenated bullpen, confident clubhouse, and continued offensive balance — look poised to keep the winning streak alive.
Dodgers by the Numbers (Postgame Notes)
- Justin Wrobleski: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB
- Will Smith: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
- Enrique Hernández: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI
- Freddie Freeman: 2-for-5, 2B
- Bullpen ERA last 15 games: 2.31
- Team Record: 52–30 (1st in NL West)
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted with praise for Wrobleski.
- @DodgerBlueFan22: “Wrobleski was electric!! Kid is gonna be a STUD. #Dodgers”
- @BlueCrewDaily: “Kiké being Kiké Always clutch. Always fun. #DodgerFam”
- @BaseballNerdLA: “Don’t sleep on Will Smith. Quietly having an MVP-caliber season. Leadership + production.”
