Freeman Hits Milestone 2,500th Career Hit as Dodgers Blow Open Game Against Pirates

PITTSBURGH — What began as a tense pitchers’ duel at PNC Park on Tuesday night ended in a landslide victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who routed the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-3.

The game remained tight for six innings, but the Dodgers ignited a massive offensive explosion in the seventh, scoring 10 runs to break the deadlock. The victory pushes Los Angeles to a 43-24 record and extends a hot streak in which they have claimed 19 of their last 25 contests.

The surge occurred immediately after Pittsburgh removed ace Paul Skenes. Skenes had been dominant through six innings, striking out seven and maintaining a 2-1 lead for much of the night. While the Dodgers repeatedly reached base via the leadoff hitter in four straight innings, they struggled to drive runs in, managing only a single run via a Kyle Tucker sacrifice fly in the second.

The momentum shifted in the sixth. Freddie Freeman moved closer to his milestone with a double, and Max Muncy—who went 3-for-3 against Skenes—delivered a game-tying RBI single to make it 2-2. That served as Skenes’ final outing, ending his night with six hits, two earned runs, and seven strikeouts over 103 pitches.

The Dodgers’ offense then entered a state of frenzy in the seventh. After Dalton Rushing and Alex Freeland singled to start the frame, Rushing scored on a pickoff error at third base. Shohei Ohtani followed with an RBI double to give Los Angeles its first lead of the game.

The onslaught continued when Andy Pages launched a two-run home run to left field, his 15th of the season. Pages is currently leading Major League Baseball with 55 RBIs, reaching the 15-home run mark in just 66 games—a significant improvement over the 92 games it took him to reach the same total last year.

Pittsburgh’s defense struggled to stem the tide as a throwing error by Brandon Lowe and an RBI single from Ryan Ward further padded the lead. Bases-loaded walks to Freeland and Ohtani ensured that six runs had crossed the plate before the Pirates could record their first out of the inning. In total, 15 Dodgers hitters came to the plate during the 36-minute frame.

The highlight of the night came when Freddie Freeman stepped in for his final hit of the evening. Freeman lined a single to center field, driving in Alex Freeland and officially recording the 2,500th hit of his career. The Dodgers’ dugout celebrated the achievement as Freeman reached first, adding another landmark to a Hall of Fame-caliber resume.

On the mound, Eric Lauer provided a steady presence despite a shaky start. After surrendering two early home runs—including a solo shot by Bryan Reynolds—Lauer locked in, retiring 15 of the final 16 batters he faced. He exited in the sixth after retiring 12 consecutive hitters, finishing with 5⅔ innings, three hits, two earned runs, and five strikeouts on 89 pitches.

This marks the 11th game this season in which the Dodgers have scored 10 or more runs, underscoring the depth and power of their lineup. Tanner Scott conceded one run in the ninth, but the game was long decided.

The series continues Wednesday, featuring a highly anticipated start by Shohei Ohtani, who will serve as both pitcher and designated hitter. Pittsburgh is expected to respond by starting Jared Jones.

Will Smith Injury Update

Despite the blowout win, the Dodgers remain concerned about catcher Will Smith. Smith missed Tuesday’s game while dealing with a stiff neck, continuing an absence that began Saturday. Manager Dave Roberts noted that placing Smith on the injured list is now a distinct possibility as the team monitors the lingering issue.

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