Dustin May shines in his 2025 return, leading the Dodgers past the Royals 3-1 on June 27. See how May's dominance and offense from Ohtani boosts LA's hopes.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's the moment Dodgers fans have been waiting 22 long months for. Dustin May, with his signature fiery sinker, took the mound at Kauffman Stadium and looked like he never left. In a masterful return, May pitched five brilliant innings, leading the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals and extending their perfect road trip to 7-0.
It was more than just a win; it was seeing a guy who's worked so hard get back to doing what he loves. That fires up the whole clubhouse.
All eyes were on Dustin May, and he delivered. Making his first start in over 22 months, the right-hander showed remarkable command and poise. He navigated the Royals' lineup for five strong innings, allowing just a single run. His return is a massive shot in the arm for a pitching staff that has battled injuries all season. With a healthy May rejoining the rotation, the Dodgers' championship aspirations just got a significant boost.
While May handled business on the mound, the top of the order provided the necessary run support. The formidable trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman were once again the catalysts. They consistently put pressure on Royals pitching, manufacturing runs and proving why they're the most feared top-of-the-order in baseball. With a lineup featuring that kind of firepower—backed by guys like Teoscar Hernández, Will Smith, and Max Muncy—the Dodgers don't need to score a ton of runs to win when their pitching is this good.
This 3-1 victory wasn't just another win; it was a statement. Now sitting at 51-31 and firmly in control of the NL West, the Dodgers are proving their mettle. They've weathered a grueling schedule and a rash of injuries to key bullpen arms like Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen. Recent roster moves, like activating Luis García just before the series, show the front office is actively managing depth. As Manager Dave Roberts has praised, this team's resilience and 'next man up' mentality are defining their season.
With May back in the fold and the offense clicking, the Dodgers look nearly unstoppable. They'll aim to secure another series win against the Royals tomorrow before continuing their road trip. If this is a preview of what a healthier Dodgers team looks like, the rest of the league should be on high alert. The Boys in Blue aren't just winning; they're getting stronger.
