By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The Los Angeles Dodgers finally ended their eight-game losing streak with a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals, rallying late in a back-and-forth game at Dodger Stadium.
Tarik Skubal, making his second start for the Dodgers, allowed three runs over five innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner struck out six and surrendered four hits after joining Los Angeles from Detroit.
Kansas City jumped ahead behind Jac Caglianone, who homered and drove in all three of the Royals’ runs against Skubal. The Dodgers trailed 3-2 when Skubal left the game.
Muncy Sparks the Rally
Max Muncy delivered a three-run double in the sixth inning on his bobblehead night, giving Los Angeles a 5-3 advantage.
The Royals answered in the seventh when Kyle Isbel hit a two-run homer to tie the game at 5-5.
Shohei Ohtani then singled and stole his first base since May 16. He later scored on Freddie Freeman’s single, putting the Dodgers ahead to stay.
Ohtani also contributed an RBI double earlier in the game.
The victory was only Los Angeles’ second in its previous 10 games and ended a frustrating stretch for a club expected to contend for another championship.
A Much-Needed Win
The Dodgers’ offense showed resilience throughout the game, particularly after Kansas City repeatedly answered their scoring rallies.
Muncy’s three-run double provided the biggest offensive blow, while Ohtani’s speed helped create the winning run.
The victory also marked a significant moment for Skubal, who is expected to play an important role in the Dodgers’ pitching staff following his arrival from Detroit.
With the eight-game skid finally behind them, the Dodgers can turn their attention to building momentum and getting back into their winning form.