Ohtani shines as Dodgers hand Royals 11th straight home loss

Shohei Ohtani opened with a home run and later added a crucial RBI triple, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers secure their fifth consecutive victory, defeating the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Friday night at Kansas City.

The Royals continued their disappointing home performance, matching their franchise record of 11 consecutive losses at their stadium.

Ohtani connected with Noah Cameron's (2-4) 1-2 changeup, sending his 29th homer of the season into the right-field fountains, marking his 12th homer against the Royals in 28 appearances.



The Royals held a 4-3 advantage until the fifth inning when Ohtani struck again. Following Enrique Hernandez's walk, Ohtani delivered a triple to right field, levelling the score. Steven Cruz took over and immediately conceded an RBI single to Mookie Betts, which proved decisive despite being the Dodgers' final hit of their ninth victory in 11 matches.

In the ninth inning, the Royals loaded the bases with one out against Tanner Scott (18 saves), but rookie Jac Caglianone grounded into a 4-6-3 double play, concluded by Freddie Freeman's excellent catch at first base.

The Royals' June home record stands at 0-11, matching their longest such streak from 2023. Bobby Witt Jr. contributed with a two-run homer and Kyle Isbel hit two doubles, yet the Royals suffered their sixth straight defeat.


After trailing 1-0, Kansas City responded in the first inning. Maikel Garcia hit a two-out double and crossed home plate on Salvador Perez's left-field single.

The Dodgers reclaimed the lead in the second inning with two outs when Max Muncy sent Cameron's pitch over centre field with a runner on base, establishing a 3-1 advantage.

Kansas City pressured Los Angeles starter Dustin May in the second inning. John Rave walked, stole second base, advanced to third on Freddy Fermin's ground out, and scored on Isbel's double, which appeared to confuse right-fielder Teoscar Hernandez.

Witt then hit one over the left-centre field wall, putting Kansas City ahead.

Cameron allowed just three hits but conceded three walks and five runs in his shortest start, lasting four-plus innings in his ninth appearance.
May pitched four innings, giving up four runs and six hits. Lou Trivino (3-0) secured the win with 1 2/3 innings of relief work.