Yoshinobu Yamamoto's masterful start and a 4-run first inning powered the Dodgers to a 6-1 win over the White Sox on July 2. See how LA dominated the series opener.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's no place like home. The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their latest homestand in style Tuesday night, dismantling the Chicago White Sox with a convincing 6-1 victory. Behind a masterful performance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a first-inning offensive explosion, the Dodgers gave the 51,368 fans in attendance a stress-free win to celebrate.
The Dodgers jumped out early with a four-run first inning and never looked back, playing error-free defense in a complete team win.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was in complete control, improving his season record to 8-6. He masterfully navigated the White Sox lineup, and when faced with pressure, he responded like an ace, recording crucial back-to-back strikeouts to extinguish any threats. Supported by an early offensive outburst, Yamamoto pitched with confidence, setting a dominant tone for the entire series.
The game was practically decided before many fans had found their seats. The Dodger offense erupted for four runs in the bottom of the first, putting the game out of reach early. The rally was fueled by timely hitting, including a two-out RBI single and a run-scoring double that broke the game open. After adding single runs in the third and fourth, the bullpen took over, with Anthony Bond emphatically closing the door by striking out the side in the ninth.
The victory was tempered by news from the training room. The Dodgers placed right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list due to right knee inflammation, a move retroactive to June 28. While the team hopes for a quick return, his absence creates an opportunity for right-handed reliever Will Klein, who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Klein, recently acquired from Seattle, now gets his chance to make a major league impact for Los Angeles.
Kopech's injury is another reminder of the team's pitching attrition, but reinforcements are on the mend. Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) is targeting a September return, a potential game-changer for the bullpen. Kyle Hurt (Tommy John) is throwing bullpen sessions and could return late in 2025. While others like River Ryan and Gavin Stone are on longer timetables, the front office remains active, signing right-hander Randy Maria to a minor league deal to ensure the organizational pitching depth remains a strength.
Tuesday's game was a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Dodgers: dominant on the field, but constantly navigating challenges off it. With Kopech sidelined, the pressure on starters like Yamamoto only intensifies. The team's depth will be tested, but if the offense keeps firing like it did in the first inning and the next man up is ready, this homestand could be the start of another summer surge. On to the next one.
