Dodgers’ Home Run Barrage Powers 5-2 Victory Over Orioles, Snapping Skid

The Los Angeles Dodgers, reeling from a five-game losing streak, delivered a statement performance on September 7, 2025, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 in a thrilling series finale at Camden Yards. Fueled by a home run shower from superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, and sealed by a clutch save from Jack Dreyer, the Dodgers showcased their resilience and firepower. This victory, which capped a challenging road trip, not only salvaged the final game of a three-game set but also restored confidence as the team returns to Dodger Stadium for a critical homestand. This article explores the game’s key moments, standout performances, and the broader implications for the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.

A Season of Highs and Lows

The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for the Dodgers, who entered the game with a 78-64 record and a one-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West. Despite their star-studded roster, featuring Ohtani, Betts, Freddie Freeman, and a formidable pitching staff, the team has faced adversity, including a recent 10-game stretch where they went 3-7. Injuries to key players like Tyler Glasnow, Max Muncy, and Tommy Edman have tested their depth, while a gut-wrenching 4-3 loss to the Orioles on September 6—where Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s no-hitter bid was spoiled with two outs in the ninth—left the team searching for momentum.

The September 7 matchup against the Orioles, who were riding a five-game winning streak despite their last-place standing in the AL East (66-76), presented a critical opportunity. The Dodgers needed a win to avoid a sweep and regain their swagger before returning home. What unfolded was a masterclass in offensive power and pitching resilience, with Ohtani, Betts, and Clayton Kershaw leading the charge.

Ohtani’s Explosive Start: A Record-Tying Leadoff Homer

Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom and 2024 National League MVP, wasted no time setting the tone. Facing Orioles starter Tomoyuki Sugano, Ohtani crushed a 1-0 sinker on the second pitch of the game for a leadoff home run, his 47th of the season. The blast, which soared into the Camden Yards stands, tied Ohtani with Betts for the Dodgers’ franchise record of 12 leadoff homers in a single season, a mark Betts set in 2023.

Ohtani’s early heroics were a signal of things to come. In the third inning, he led off again with another towering home run, this time bringing his season total to 48. The back-to-back homers showcased Ohtani’s unparalleled power and his ability to shift the game’s momentum. His performance drew widespread praise on X, with MLB posting, “Shohei Ohtani AGAIN! 2 homers today, 48 this season 🤩” alongside a highlight clip that garnered thousands of likes.

Betts Joins the Party: Back-to-Back Blasts

Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ perennial All-Star, followed Ohtani’s third-inning homer with a solo shot of his own, marking his 16th home run of the season. The back-to-back blasts off Sugano gave the Dodgers a commanding 3-0 lead and electrified the dugout. Betts, who finished the game 2-for-5 with two RBIs, spoke postgame with SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson, emphasizing the team’s renewed energy: “We needed this one. It’s been a tough stretch, but we showed what we’re capable of today.”

The consecutive homers by Ohtani and Betts were a turning point, not only for the game but for the Dodgers’ psyche. After the crushing loss the previous night, where the Orioles staged a walk-off comeback, the offensive outburst provided a much-needed spark. The Dodgers’ ability to capitalize on Sugano’s struggles—his outing was cut short in the fourth inning after a line drive struck his right foot—highlighted their opportunistic approach.

Kershaw’s Historic Outing

On the mound, Clayton Kershaw delivered a performance that was both effective and historic. The veteran left-hander, making his first career start against the Orioles in his 18-year MLB tenure, pitched 5⅔ innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out eight. Kershaw’s outing improved his record to 10-2 and marked his sixth consecutive win, solidifying his status as a reliable anchor in the rotation.

Kershaw’s start was notable not only for its effectiveness but for its historical significance. The Orioles were the only team he had never faced as a Dodger, and at 37 years old, he checked that milestone off his list. Kershaw’s ability to navigate a potent Orioles lineup, which had scored five or more runs in 41 wins that season, was a testament to his experience and guile. He allowed a two-run homer but otherwise kept Baltimore’s bats quiet, setting the stage for the bullpen to close out the game.

Bullpen Brilliance: Wrobleski and Dreyer Seal the Deal

With Kershaw exiting after 5⅔ innings, the Dodgers turned to their bullpen to preserve the lead. Justin Wrobleski, a young reliever, provided two scoreless innings, showcasing his potential as a key piece in October. Jack Dreyer, stepping into the closer role, recorded the final three outs for his third save of the season, locking down the 5-2 victory. Dreyer’s composure under pressure was a highlight, especially after the bullpen’s struggles in the previous game’s collapse.

The bullpen’s performance was critical, as the Dodgers’ relief corps has been stretched thin by injuries to pitchers like Tyler Glasnow and Alex Vesia. Dreyer’s ability to “lock in,” as the headline suggests, provided a confidence boost for a unit that will be crucial in the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts praised the bullpen postgame, noting, “Justin and Jack stepped up big. That’s what we need heading into October.”

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several moments defined the Dodgers’ victory beyond the home run barrage. In the fourth inning, the Dodgers capitalized on an Orioles error when a backpick attempt at third base went awry, allowing Miguel Rojas to score and extend the lead to 4-0. This miscue, coupled with Sugano’s early exit due to injury, shifted the game firmly in Los Angeles’ favor. Additionally, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson’s errant throw in the seventh inning ended his 73-game errorless streak, further tilting the momentum toward the Dodgers.

Ohtani’s first-inning homer was a pivotal “key moment,” as described by ESPN, setting the tone and ensuring the Dodgers never trailed. His 12th leadoff homer of the season tied a franchise record and underscored his ability to deliver in clutch situations. The back-to-back homers in the third, paired with Kershaw’s dominant pitching, created a cushion that the Orioles, despite their recent hot streak, couldn’t overcome.

Context of the Win: Snapping a Skid

The victory was a much-needed salve for a Dodgers team that had lost five straight games, including a heartbreaking defeat the previous night. On September 6, Yoshinobu Yamamoto carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning, only for the Orioles to rally with a walk-off win, stunning the Dodgers and their fans. Posts on X captured the shock, with MLB tweeting, “FROM NO-HITTER TO WALK-OFF WINNERS 🤯 THE ORIOLES STUN THE DODGERS.”

The September 7 win, however, flipped the narrative. The Dodgers’ ability to respond after such a demoralizing loss showcased their resilience, a trait that has defined their championship-caliber teams in recent years. The victory also ended Baltimore’s five-game winning streak, which included a sweep of the Padres and two dramatic wins over Los Angeles.

Implications for the Postseason

With the regular season winding down, the Dodgers’ 79-64 record keeps them atop the NL West, but their lead remains precarious. The win over the Orioles provided a psychological boost as they head into a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. The return of key players like Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Alex Vesia, expected as early as September 8, further bolsters their roster.

The performance of Ohtani and Betts reaffirmed their status as the team’s offensive engines. Ohtani’s 48 home runs put him on pace to challenge his own MLB record of 54 set in 2024, while Betts’ versatility and clutch hitting make him a postseason X-factor. Kershaw’s reliability, combined with the bullpen’s late-game execution, suggests the Dodgers are rounding into form at the right time.

However, challenges remain. Glasnow’s recent back tightness, which forced him to miss a start on September 5, raises concerns about the rotation’s depth. While Roberts expressed optimism that Glasnow would return for the Rockies series, the team’s ability to manage his workload will be critical. The Dodgers’ postseason success will hinge on their ability to stay healthy and maintain the offensive and pitching synergy displayed against the Orioles.