Dodgers beat Royals 5-1 on June 29, 2025, as rookie Justin Wrobleski's pitching gem leads LA to their sixth straight series win. Recap the key moments.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another series, another win. The Los Angeles Dodgers just keep rolling, dispatching the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on a rainy Sunday at Kauffman Stadium to lock up their sixth consecutive series victory. While the offense provided the necessary pop, the day's biggest story was rookie Justin Wrobleski, who delivered another masterful performance on the mound, proving he's far more than just a temporary rotation patch.
Six innings, three hits, one run. With every dominant outing, rookie Justin Wrobleski is turning from a pleasant surprise into a legitimate force for the Dodgers' rotation.
In a season where the Dodgers have desperately needed starting pitching to step up, Justin Wrobleski has answered the call and then some. The rookie left-hander was simply brilliant against the Royals, navigating a rain delay and a solid lineup with the poise of a veteran. He worked six strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five to earn his fourth win. It's performances like these that have kept the Dodgers humming along despite injuries to their top arms. He's not just eating innings; he's dominating them.
The offense didn't need to be spectacular; it just needed to be timely. Kiké Hernández got the party started in the second inning with a two-run homer, providing Wrobleski with an early cushion. Will Smith added a solo blast for insurance later on. Even on a day when superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts were held hitless, the lineup depth shone through. Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas chipped in with RBIs, and Andy Pages continued his solid play with a two-hit, two-run performance. It’s a testament to this team's construction that they can win decisively without their biggest bats firing on all cylinders.
The game had a special significance beyond the box score. Both teams honored the rich history of the Negro Leagues, with the Dodgers donning throwback Brooklyn Dodgers hats and the Royals wearing 1945 Kansas City Monarchs caps. It was a powerful tribute, especially in Kansas City, home of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The gesture served as a poignant reminder of Jackie Robinson's path, which ran through the Monarchs before he broke the color barrier with Brooklyn, forever changing the game.
The front office continues to manage the pitching staff's depth. Right-hander Noah Davis was recalled from Triple-A for his fourth stint with the big league club this year, providing a fresh arm for the bullpen. Meanwhile, fellow RHP Edgardo Henriquez was activated from the 60-day IL and optioned to Oklahoma City, a positive sign that he's progressing in his recovery and could be a factor down the road. These moves underscore the constant need for reinforcements as the team navigates a long season.
With a commanding 53-32 record and winners of six of their last seven, the Dodgers are firing on all cylinders as June comes to a close. They've found a winning formula built on stellar starting pitching from unexpected sources, timely hitting from across the lineup, and a shutdown bullpen. As they head into their next series, the challenge is to maintain this incredible momentum and continue stacking up wins on their path toward October.
