Dodgers shut out Rays 5-0 behind Kershaw’s gem and Freeman’s homer
The Los Angeles Dodgers blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0 as Clayton Kershaw threw six scoreless innings and Freddie Freeman delivered three RBIs, including his 12th home run.
Joel Casillas
8/2/20251 min read
Dodgers blank Rays 5-0 behind Kershaw’s gem and Freeman’s three-RBI night
Freddie Freeman delivered a two-run double and a solo homer, while Clayton Kershaw dominated on the mound
Fast start with Freeman leading the charge
Tampa, Florida — August 1. The Los Angeles Dodgers wasted no time asserting dominance at George M. Steinbrenner Field, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0 behind timely hitting and elite pitching.
The damage started early. In the top of the first, Shohei Ohtani drew a walk, Will Smith followed with a double, and then Freddie Freeman ripped a two-run double to right field. The Dodgers jumped ahead 2-0 and never looked back.
Kershaw in complete control
Veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw was masterful through six scoreless innings, scattering five hits and racking up key strikeouts. He silenced the Rays’ offense, including strikeouts against Nick Fortes in the second and Josh Lowe in the fourth.
Despite allowing a couple of base runners and two wild pitches, Kershaw stayed composed and kept the scoreboard clean until being relieved by Justin Wrobleski in the seventh.
Freeman goes deep to extend the lead
In the fifth inning, Freeman added to his already impactful night with his 12th home run of the season, a solo shot to right field that extended the lead to 5-0. He finished the game with three RBIs, once again proving why he remains one of the most dangerous bats in the league.
Rookie Alex Freeland added his first career RBI in the fourth with a single that drove in Michael Conforto, while Mookie Betts added a sacrifice fly to contribute to the scoring effort.
Flawless bullpen finish seals the shutout
After Kershaw exited, the Dodgers bullpen—Wrobleski, Cleavinger, and Montgomery—took over and preserved the shutout. Aside from a late hit by Jonny DeLuca, the Rays had little to offer offensively in the final innings.
The last threat was neutralized when Josh Lowe lined out to left fielder Alex Call, who had entered as a pinch hitter and stayed in defensively.