The Houston Astros handed the Los Angeles Dodgers a historic 18-1 loss on July 5, 2025, the worst in Dodger Stadium history, fueled by Jose Altuve's two HRs.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night to forget at Chavez Ravine. What started as a Saturday evening showdown with a familiar foe turned into a full-blown catastrophe, as the Houston Astros dismantled the Los Angeles Dodgers 18-1, marking the worst loss in Dodger Stadium history. The boos for Jose Altuve were loud, but the roar of the Astros' bats was deafening, leaving the home crowd stunned and searching for answers.
18-1. The worst loss in the history of Dodger Stadium.
The game unraveled completely in a sixth inning that will live in infamy. The Astros, led by a relentless Jose Altuve who homered twice and drove in five, put up a staggering 10 runs in the frame. The onslaught included a grand slam from Victor Caratini and a three-run shot from Altuve himself, turning a competitive game into a laugher. Starter Ben Casparius was knocked around early, and the bullpen could do little to stop the bleeding. Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. was brilliant, holding the Dodgers to just five hits. The only glimmer of hope for the Boys in Blue came from a solo home run by Will Smith, a footnote in an otherwise disastrous box score.
In the wake of such a pitching meltdown, it's no surprise the front office is looking for solutions. The Dodgers announced the recall of right-handed pitcher Jack Little from Triple-A Oklahoma City, hoping to inject some fresh life into a taxed bullpen. Little, who will wear #81, made his MLB debut earlier this season and provides some much-needed depth. To make room, RHP Noah Davis was optioned back to OKC. The timing is no coincidence; after a performance like tonight's, every arm in the organization is under the microscope.
To add potential injury to the insult of the blowout, shortstop Miguel Rojas is undergoing tests after jamming his left ring finger. The incident occurred during a steal attempt in the previous night's game, and while he initially stayed in, he was later replaced by Hye Seong Kim. While the team is awaiting final results, early indications are that he might have avoided a serious issue. Still, with the team reeling from a historic loss, the last thing they need is to lose their veteran shortstop for any extended period.
This was a humbling, historic defeat that tests a team's resolve. The Dodgers have no choice but to flush it and come back tomorrow ready to play. They'll need to find a way to silence the Astros' bats, hope for good news on Miguel Rojas's finger, and remind themselves that one game, no matter how ugly, is still just one game. Sunday's finale is now a must-win to salvage the series and some pride.
