The highs and lows of the MLB season were on display for the Los Angeles Dodgers this week.
After celebrating pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s 3,000 strikeout on Wednesday, July 2, the Dodgers were handed one of their biggest losses on Friday, July 4.
The Houston Astros’ bats proved to be too much, delivering an 18-1 loss for the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, with the 17-run defeat representing the largest for the team in stadium history.
The Astros had already built up a 7-1 lead in the fifth inning before Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called for Noah Davis out of the bullpen. Davis struck out Mauricio Dubón to end the inning, but things didn’t get much better for the pitcher. Davis allowed 10 runs in the sixth inning.
Jose Altuve went 3-for-3 with five RBIs, four runs and two home runs for the Astros. Christian Walker went 4-for-5 with four RBIs, three runs and a home run.
‘Yeah, that was one you want to flush as soon as possible,’ Roberts said after the game.
While the Dodgers did avoid being shut out on Friday night, the team had already suffered its worst home shutout loss in franchise history this season. The Chicago Cubs picked up a 16-0 victory over the Dodgers on April 12.
It was also the Dodgers’ largest defeat since suffering a 20-1 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 5, 2001.
Astros vs. Dodgers highlights
The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.