Freddie Freeman's Clutch Hit Propels Dodgers to 4-3 Comeback Win Over Royals

Freddie Freeman hit a clutch, two-out RBI single to center field in the eighth inning, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-3 comeback victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Mookie Betts started the rally with a single, advanced to second on a wild pickoff attempt by reliever Will Smith (0-3), and scored on Freeman’s decisive hit.

Daniel Hudson (3-1) earned the win by pitching a scoreless inning of relief, and Alex Vesia closed out the ninth inning for his third save of the season.

The Royals had a chance to tie the game in the ninth inning when pinch hitter Nelson Velazquez singled, putting the tying run on base with two outs. However, Nick Loftin's flyout ended the game.

The Dodgers had previously tied the game 3-3 in the fifth inning with contributions from the lower half of their lineup. Miguel Rojas hit a two-run homer that barely stayed fair, and Chris Taylor followed with a solo shot, marking his first home run since September 7.

“It was more relief than anything,” said Taylor, who entered the game batting .100. “I definitely have my moments of frustration. Just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work's eventually going to come through for me.”

The Dodgers remain undefeated at 19-0 when Rojas records a hit.

“Not playing every day is kind of like a challenge, but at the end of the day the biggest key for me is facing every game like it’s a playoff game,” Rojas commented.

The Royals, visiting Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2017, got off to a strong start. Salvador Perez launched a 437-foot homer with an exit velocity of 113.3 mph, nearly reaching the top of the left-field pavilion in the fourth inning. Maikel Garcia singled, advanced to second on Bobby Witt Jr.’s groundout, moved to third on Gavin Stone’s wild pitch, and Vinnie Pasquantino walked to set up Perez’s blast, giving the Royals a 3-0 lead.

Perez exited the game in the eighth inning.

Witt Jr., who had a .330 average, went hitless in four at-bats on his 24th birthday. However, he made a standout defensive play in the seventh, catching Andy Pages' fly ball over his shoulder and starting a double play with Loftin at second.

Dodgers starter Gavin Stone allowed three runs on four hits over seven innings, striking out three and walking two. Royals starter Cole Ragans also pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on seven hits, with four strikeouts and one walk.

With this win, the Dodgers improved to 16-1 at home against the Royals, who were swept during their last visit.