ARLINGTON, Tex. – The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a series victory by defeating the Texas Rangers 1-0 on Sunday at Globe Life Field.
Freddie gets us on the board! pic.twitter.com/9VeLbE9sgZ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 20, 2025
Freddie Freeman's sacrifice fly in the eighth inning scored Will Smith, determining the series. It was another pitcher's duel, as both starting pitchers held the opposing team scoreless throughout the game.
The injury plague continues to trouble the Dodgers' pitching staff, as right-hander Tyler Glasnow exited the game in the fifth inning after throwing just one pitch. Glasnow had received a visit from the trainer and manager Dave Roberts after striking out two consecutive batters in the fourth inning. During that time, he appeared to be flexing his right leg, indicating that he was experiencing cramps in his lower leg.
“It started in the third, I just had the same like, my entire lower half just started cramping up, and it just got worse and worse,” Glasnow said.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field.
Glasnow, 31, pitched for over four innings, allowing three hits and no runs while striking out six batters. He threw a total of 52 pitches, with 36 of them being strikes, demonstrating strong command of his fastball and sinker. However, he began to experience cramping in the third inning, which worsened in the fourth. By the time he returned for the fifth inning, he was unable to continue. Glasnow stated that he drinks enough fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and also takes supplements.
“We’re gonna try and figure some stuff out soon, just hoping this doesn’t happen again,” Glasnow said.
Roberts mentioned that he expects Glasnow to make his next start at Dodger Stadium next weekend.
The Dodgers' offense struggled to generate any action on the bases during the first seven innings against right-hander Tyler Mahle. Mahle pitched seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits, three walks, and striking out four batters. With a record of 3-0 and an impressive 0.68 ERA, Mahle threw 91 pitches to keep the Dodgers' offense at bay, while only Austin Barnes and Teoscar Hernandez managed to make contact with him.
In the game, Barnes recorded one of the two hits, but Roberts decided to pinch-hit for him in the eighth inning after Smith led off with a single. Shohei Ohtani returned to the lineup on Sunday after missing the previous two games due to the birth of his first child, during which he was on paternity leave. Ohtani was walked as Freeman hit a sacrifice fly that brought Smith home from third base. In his return, Ohtani finished the game 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout.
The Dodgers' bullpen made a significant impact once again as Roberts utilized six pitchers after Glasnow left the game at the start of the fifth inning. Luis Garcia entered to replace him, followed by left-hander Anthony Banda. Right-hander Ben Casparius (2-0, 4.11 ERA) earned the win on Sunday, pitching 1⅔ innings. Left-hander Jack Dreyer and right-hander Evan Phillips successfully closed out the eighth inning. This marked Phillips' second appearance in two days after he was activated on Saturday.
The Dodgers secured their victory thanks to this outstanding play by Will Smith and Miguel Rojas.@SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/449Ss6a5Vi
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) April 20, 2025
Left-hander Tanner Scott entered the game to close out the Rangers, needing only 14 pitches to secure his eighth save of the season. This series has featured a competitive showdown between the two most recent World Series champions. With the tying run on first base and two outs, Wyatt Langford attempted to steal second. An incredible throw by Smith resulted in Langford being tagged out when he accidentally stepped off the base after his initial slide. The call on the field was "out," and the play was under review to confirm the ruling.
"I didn't know I was so far from him. I thought my glove was on him the whole time,” Rojas said. “Watching the replay, I wasn't really sure. I thought we were going to play one more hitter at least. But I'm glad the call stood."
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Tanner Scott (66) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field.
After a rough start in March, Scott has had an impressive month of April. In March, he allowed five hits and three runs over four games. However, in April, Scott has given up only six hits with no runs and no walks in seven appearances.
Right-hander Dustin May (1-1, 1.06 ERA) will start on Tuesday in Chicago as he aims for his fourth appearance of the season. The Cubs are set to counter with left-hander Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.22 ERA) as he prepares for his sixth start of the season.
