Dodgers edge Royals 5-4 on June 28, 2025, powered by Shohei Ohtani's 29th HR and Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 10th win. See how the star duo led LA to victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It wasn't always pretty, but the Los Angeles Dodgers once again found a way to win, edging the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in a tight contest at Kauffman Stadium. Powered by another mammoth home run from Shohei Ohtani and a landmark 10th win for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers showcased the championship grit that has defined their successful, if challenging, month of June.
'I thought we played good baseball. Some of our guys didn't really perform well, and we still found a way to win more than we lost.' - Manager Dave Roberts
The two-way phenom continued his assault on National League pitching, launching a two-run rocket in the third inning for his 29th home run of the season. The blast not only gave the Dodgers a crucial early lead but also moved Ohtani into a tie for the NL lead, further cementing his case for back-to-back MVP awards. Meanwhile, his countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto was brilliant on the mound. The rookie ace navigated the Royals' lineup for six strong innings, scattering six hits and striking out seven to earn his 10th victory. The duo is proving to be the most formidable one-two punch in baseball.
After Yamamoto's exit, the game rested in the hands of the bullpen, which handled the pressure with poise. Alex Vesia and Evan Phillips successfully bridged the gap, allowing just one run over two innings to get the ball to the closer. In the ninth, Tanner Scott stared down a leadoff single but didn't flinch, retiring the next three batters to lock down his 18th save of the season and slam the door on a Royals comeback.
This victory was a fitting end to a demanding month. The win pushed the Dodgers' record in June to 16-9, a testament to their depth and resilience. As Manager Dave Roberts noted, the team found ways to win even when not at its absolute best. Contributions up and down the lineup, like Mookie Betts' three-hit performance, have been key. With no major injuries or roster shakeups, the stable Dodgers squad has weathered the storm and maintained its comfortable lead in the NL West.
With a grueling June in the rearview mirror, the Dodgers have proven their mettle, finding ways to win even on days they aren't firing on all cylinders. They'll look to secure the series win against the Royals tomorrow and carry this hard-fought momentum into July as they continue their march toward another NL West title.
