Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman homered as Los Angeles improved to 50 wins despite losing two players to injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first Major League Baseball team to reach 50 wins this season after defeating the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.
Shohei Ohtani gave the Dodgers an early lead with a leadoff home run in the first inning. After Minnesota tied the game in the first, Freddie Freeman delivered another leadoff homer in the sixth to secure the win and open the three-game series.
The victory came despite injuries to outfielder Kyle Tucker and catcher Dalton Rushing.
Dodger manager Dave Roberts credited the team’s depth and resilience for helping Los Angeles continue to win while dealing with injuries throughout the season.
“There is a lot things we can’t control health, performance guys got to be ready when called upon and even tonight … had a lot of guys step up in place of some guys that have been hurt but it speaks to the depth and also the mindset were just going to keep moving forward,” Roberts said.
Tucker exited the game with recurring back spasms. Roberts said he noticed discomfort as Tucker moved around the field and chose not to risk further injury.
“I think for me it’s just day-to-day, we’ll see how he is and how he comes in tomorrow.”
Rushing also left the game after appearing groggy following a foul tip. Roberts said the Catcher passed concussion protocol tests but will like miss Tuesday’s game as a precaution.
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The Dodgers will look to secure the series victory when they face the Twins in the second game of the series Tuesday at 4 p.m.