Dodger Stadium witnesses historic defeat for Los Angeles, resulting in an 18-1 victory for the Houston Astros - a record-breaking loss for the home team.
The Los Angeles Dodgers endured their worst home loss in history on Friday night, falling to the Houston Astros 18-1 at Dodger Stadium. This crushing defeat surpassed the previous record of a 19-2 loss to the New York Giants at Ebbets Field on July 3, 1947[1].
The game marked the beginning of a three-game series between the two division leaders, with the Dodgers and the Astros set to face off again over the weekend. The Astros' victory was powered by a stellar performance from Jose Altuve, who hit three home runs, drove in five RBIs, and scored four runs[2].
In the sixth inning, Altuve delivered a three-run homer, and Victor Caratini followed with a grand slam, contributing significantly to the Astros' 10-run onslaught in that inning – the most runs given up by the Dodgers in a single inning this century[3].
On the Dodgers' side, starter Ben Casparius struggled, allowing six runs in just three innings, including three home runs[4]. Will Smith managed to hit a solo home run for the Dodgers in the second inning, but it was not enough to prevent the rout[5].
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers' manager, described the game as one he wanted to forget, admitting that there were few positives to take away from the loss[6]. Meanwhile, the Astros' victory comes amidst ongoing controversy, with Altuve still receiving boos from the crowd at Dodger Stadium due to his involvement with the Houston team that beat the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series, as well as allegations of sign-stealing by the Astros[7].
Elsewhere in Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs set a new franchise record with eight home runs in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Michael Busch was instrumental in this achievement, hitting three home runs for the Cubs[8]. Additionally, Cal Raleigh tied Ken Griffey Jr.'s Seattle Mariners record for homers before the All-Star break, hitting two more home runs in a game against the opposing team[9].
As the baseball season progresses, these historic moments, both good and bad, continue to shape the landscape of the sport. The Dodgers will look to bounce back from their worst home loss in history when they face the Astros again on Saturday.
[1]
The Astros' victory against the Dodgers on Friday, led by Jose Altuve's impressive three-home run performance, established a three-game series between the two MLB division leaders. The Dodgers, still reeling from a devastating 18-1 defeat, will aim to bounce back in their next match against the Astros in the ongoing series.
