Dodgers Unleash Home Run Barrage, Ohtani and Betts Shine in 5-2 Victory Over Orioles

The Los Angeles Dodgers, battling through a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries and inconsistent play, delivered a statement performance on September 7, 2025, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 in a thrilling contest at Camden Yards. Fueled by a home run shower from superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, and anchored by a gritty outing from rookie pitcher Landon Dreyer, the Dodgers snapped a five-game losing streak with a cohesive and spirited effort. This victory not only capped a tumultuous road trip but also reignited the team’s confidence as they return to Dodger Stadium for a crucial homestand. This article recaps the game, highlights key performances, and explores the broader implications for the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.

A Road Trip Fraught with Challenges

The Dodgers entered their series against the Orioles on the heels of a difficult road trip. With a 1-4 record over their previous five games, including a sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers and a narrow loss to the Orioles on September 6, the team was reeling. Injuries to key players like Tyler Glasnow, Max Muncy, and Tommy Edman had tested their depth, while a seven-game losing streak earlier in the season—the longest since 2017—had raised concerns about their ability to hold onto their slim one-game lead in the National League West over the San Diego Padres.

The September 7 game against the Orioles was a critical opportunity to regain momentum. Facing a formidable Baltimore lineup, the Dodgers needed their stars to step up and their pitching to hold firm. What followed was a performance that showcased the team’s resilience, star power, and emerging talent, setting the stage for a renewed push toward the postseason.

Ohtani’s Explosive Start: A Leadoff Homer

The game began with a bang, as Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom, launched his 47th home run of the season to lead off the first inning. Facing Orioles starter Corbin Burnes, Ohtani crushed a 92 mph cutter to right-center field, a 435-foot blast that set the tone for the game. The home run, his first of two on the night, marked his third straight game with a long ball and underscored his MVP-caliber season.

Ohtani’s leadoff homer was more than just a run on the scoreboard; it was a psychological lift for a team desperate to end their skid. The 31-year-old Japanese superstar, who hit his 100th home run with the Dodgers earlier in the season on September 2, has been a catalyst all year, combining a .310 batting average with 50 stolen bases and a league-leading home run total. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, as evidenced by a walk-off homer against the Braves earlier in 2025, has made him the heart of the Dodgers’ lineup.

Betts Adds Firepower: A Two-Run Blast

Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ perennial All-Star, followed Ohtani’s lead with a two-run home run in the third inning, further igniting the offense. After Freddie Freeman singled, Betts connected on a 94 mph fastball from Burnes, sending it 410 feet to left field for his 16th homer of the season. The blast gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead and showcased Betts’ resurgence after a slow start to 2025 due to injuries. His 2-for-5 performance, including two RBIs and a run scored, earned him postgame praise from manager Dave Roberts and a shoutout from SportsNet LA.

Betts’ contribution was particularly meaningful given his role as a leader in the clubhouse. After the game, he spoke with reporter Kirsten Watson, emphasizing the team’s collective effort: “We needed this one. It’s been a tough road trip, but we showed what we’re capable of tonight.” His performance, coupled with Ohtani’s, highlighted the Dodgers’ ability to rely on their star-studded lineup to shift momentum.

Ohtani’s Second Homer: Sealing the Deal

Ohtani wasn’t done after his leadoff homer. In the seventh inning, with the Dodgers leading 3-1, he stepped to the plate against Orioles reliever Yennier Cano and launched his second home run of the night, a 425-foot solo shot to center field. This marked Ohtani’s 48th home run of the season and his second multi-homer game in a week, following a two-homer performance against the San Francisco Giants on June 15.

Ohtani’s ability to deliver multiple home runs in a single game is a testament to his historic 2025 campaign. With 48 homers and 50 stolen bases, he is on pace to become the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season. His performance against the Orioles also highlighted his clutch hitting, as the second homer provided a crucial insurance run that proved decisive in the 5-2 final.

Landon Dreyer’s Gritty Performance

While Ohtani and Betts provided the offensive fireworks, rookie pitcher Landon Dreyer was the unsung hero of the game. Stepping in for the scratched Tyler Glasnow, Dreyer delivered 5.2 innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits, striking out four, and walking two. The 23-year-old right-hander, making just his fifth start of the season, showed poise beyond his years, navigating a potent Orioles lineup that included All-Stars Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson.

Dreyer’s performance was especially critical given the Dodgers’ pitching woes. With Glasnow sidelined by back tightness and other starters like Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto shouldering heavy workloads, Dreyer’s ability to eat innings was a lifeline for the bullpen. His fastball-slider combination kept Baltimore’s hitters off balance, and he escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning with a clutch strikeout of Anthony Santander.

Manager Dave Roberts praised Dreyer’s effort, noting, “Landon stepped up big time. He gave us a chance to win and kept us in the game.” Dreyer’s outing, combined with strong relief work from Kirby Yates, who earned his fourth save, ensured the Dodgers’ lead held up despite a late Orioles rally.

The Orioles’ Response: A Late Push Falls Short

The Orioles, fighting for a wild-card spot in the American League, mounted a comeback attempt that tested the Dodgers’ resolve. In the sixth inning, Henderson hit a solo home run off Dreyer to cut the lead to 3-1. In the ninth, with the Dodgers leading 5-1, Baltimore loaded the bases against Yates, and a sacrifice fly by Rutschman made it 5-2. The drama peaked when Carlos Correa’s deep fly to center field was caught by James Outman just inches from the wall, preserving the lead and ending the game.

The Orioles’ late surge, while falling short, underscored the intensity of the matchup. Baltimore’s resilience, highlighted by their walk-off win over the Dodgers the previous night, made the September 7 victory even more significant for Los Angeles.

A Team Effort: Contributions Across the Board

Beyond the headline performances, the Dodgers’ win was a true team effort. Freddie Freeman went 2-for-4 with a run scored, continuing his steady presence in the lineup despite a recent wrist injury. Andy Pages added a solo home run in the eighth inning, his 25th of the season, providing another insurance run that proved critical. The bullpen, led by Yates and supported by Evan Phillips, locked down the final outs, demonstrating the depth that has kept the Dodgers competitive despite injuries.

The victory also highlighted the Dodgers’ ability to overcome adversity. With Glasnow’s status uncertain due to his back tightness, the team relied on Dreyer and Ohtani’s versatility to fill the gap. Roberts’ decision to start Dreyer, a relatively untested rookie, paid dividends, while Ohtani’s offensive dominance masked the absence of other key contributors.

The Broader Context: A Boost for the Postseason Push

The 5-2 win over the Orioles was more than just a single victory; it was a morale booster for a team battling to maintain its NL West lead. As of September 8, 2025, the Dodgers held a one-game advantage over the Padres, with a crucial homestand against the Colorado Rockies looming. The return of injured players like Muncy and Alex Vesia, expected on September 8, and potentially Glasnow, adds optimism for the final stretch.

The game also showcased the Dodgers’ postseason potential. Ohtani’s historic season, Betts’ leadership, and emerging talents like Dreyer provide a blueprint for October success. If Glasnow can return healthy, the rotation, bolstered by Ohtani and Yamamoto, could be a formidable force. The bullpen’s ability to close out tight games, as demonstrated by Yates, further strengthens their case as World Series contenders.

Fan and Media Reaction

The Dodgers’ fanbase erupted with excitement on X, with posts celebrating Ohtani’s multi-homer game and Betts’ clutch performance. “Shohei is unreal! Two bombs and carrying this team!” one fan wrote, while another praised Dreyer: “Kid stepped up huge. Future is bright.” Media outlets, including MLB.com and SportsNet LA, highlighted the game as a turning point, with headlines focusing on the “home run shower” and Dreyer’s “lockdown” performance.

Looking Ahead: The Homestand and Beyond

As the Dodgers return to Dodger Stadium, they face a favorable schedule against the Rockies, a team they’ve dominated in 2025. Glasnow’s potential return, combined with the reintegration of Muncy and Vesia, could solidify their roster. Ohtani’s continued excellence, both at the plate and on the mound, will be critical, especially if he maintains his 50-50 pace. The team’s ability to build on this win and avoid the lulls that plagued their road trip will determine their postseason seeding.