LOS ANGELES — Under the bright lights on Saturday night, the Milwaukee Brewers reminded everyone that they are more than just contenders — they’re sluggers with serious bite as the Brewers outlasted the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 at Dodger Stadium.
This marks the Brewers’ ninth consecutive win, extending back to before the All-Star break, and they are 5-0 against the Dodgers this season.
The power surge from both teams saw five balls leave the yard as Shohei Ohtani crushed his 33rd home run of the season in the third inning. With 33 home runs, Ohtani continues to lead the National League and remains firmly planted in the MVP conversation.
To be fair, the Dodgers didn’t roll over. They hit a few long balls of their own and kept clawing back, inning after inning. Ohtani and Will Smith, who batted second in place of Mookie Betts, combined for four hits. Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas both had a late-inning home run as they cut the deficit to one in the eighth inning.
When the Brewers needed their bullpen to step up, they delivered despite some shaky moments throughout the season. After right-hander Freddy Peralta pitched five innings, giving up five hits, four runs, three walks, and striking out four batters, the Brewers called on four relievers to finish the game. Peralta, who recorded 93 pitches during the outing, earned the win, improving his record to 12-4 with a 2.85 ERA against the Dodgers.
The crowd erupted in awe and hope as the two-run blast brought the Dodgers back within striking distance, though the rally ultimately fell short in an 8–7 loss.
Right-hander Emmet Sheehan started his third game of the season, but Saturday night’s performance proved more difficult. Sheehan lasted just three innings, surrendering five earned runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out three on 65 pitches.
In the top of the third inning, the Brewers made a significant impact by scoring four runs. Joey Ortiz set the tone for the rally with an RBI single, which was quickly followed by William Contreras, who contributed a two-run hit, further extending the team’s lead. double. Andrew Vaughn delivered a sac fly to cap the sequence, and all were off Sheehan
The defeat also marked the Dodgers’ ninth loss in their last 11 games.
The outing raised questions about whether Sheehan can hold a rotation spot long-term once the Dodgers are fully healthy. His potential path forward could shift to long-relief duty or even a return to Triple-A, especially if veterans like Blake Snell return.
The Dodgers have one more chance to avoid being swept on Sunday, and their pitching plan will be closely watched as Clayton Kershaw (4-1, 3.38 ERA) will be on the mound against the Brewers’ Jose Quintana (6-3, 3.28 ERA).
Max Muncy’s Return Could Be Sooner—and Better—Than Feared
When Max Muncy crumpled to the turf at Dodger Stadium on July 2 after a vicious collision with Michael A. Taylor, Dodgers fans might’ve feared the worst. A knee bending awkwardly inward is the stuff of career-ending legends. Instead? It turned out to be one of baseball’s more fortunate breaks: a bone bruise, not a ligament tear. He dodged the bullet.
Just over two weeks later, Muncy was already taking swings, doing agility drills, and playing catch—no limping or hesitation. Manager Dave Roberts didn’t hesitate calling his rehab “a lot sooner than anticipated.”
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) is helped off the field after he was injured on a play during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers have slumped without him—3 runs per game since his exit—with holes at third and the middle lineup. Muncy’s return could crank up their offense and stabilize their run production.
Officially, the team estimated a six-week absence, penciling him in for mid-to-late August. Yet with how well rehab is going, early August seems within reach—maybe even sooner.
The Return of Kike is up in the air
While the Dodgers’ injury list may be getting crowded, the situation surrounding Kike Hernández is perhaps one of the more mysterious and concerning ones at the moment. After struggling with some nagging issues and still not participating in baseball activities, there’s no official timeline for his return to the diamond.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) scores on a wild pitch as Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Tim Herrin (29) defends the plate during the seventh inning at Progressive Field.
Roberts has remained somewhat vague when it comes to the timeline for Hernández’s return. The absence is particularly worrisome because, unlike a simple injury where rehab protocols are clear, Kike’s situation is clouded by uncertainty.
“I don’t know the timeline,” Roberts said. “I don’t think Kike knows the timeline either.”