Dodgers’ Bats Wake Up in Series-Opening Win vs. Astros

May 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Dodgers responded well after falling behind, with Alex Freeland leveling the score once again with a solo homer in the top of the second—his first since opening night. Will Smith added on later in the inning, bringing Shohei Ohtani around from first with a one-run double to restore LA’s lead.

Kyle Tucker further extended the Dodgers’ advantage in the third, hitting a solo homer of his own, before a bases-loaded force out from Ohtani scored another. Freddie Freeman singled afterwards, scoring two with the help of an error.

Freeman struck again for the Dodgers in the fifth inning, scoring Freeland from second with another RBI single.

The Astros added onto their total in the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer off the bat of Zach Cole, but failed to put any more runs on the board throughout the rest of the game. Blake Treinen, Kyle Hurt and Jack Dreyer combined for three scoreless innings in relief to put the game to bed.

Yamamoto bounced back well after his first-inning mishap, retiring 11 in order after allowing the second run of the game and tallying his third win of the year.

The Dodgers will hope to keep the offense going in the second game of the series, during which Shohei Ohtani will make his seventh start of the season. That game begins Tuesday at 5:10 p.m. PT.

How did you feel about the Dodgers’ performance today?