Dodgers face historic home loss against Astros
- The Los Angeles Dodgers lost 18-1 to the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium, marking their worst loss at home.
- Jose Altuve shone in the game, hitting two home runs and driving in five runs despite being jeered by the crowd.
- The defeat highlighted team struggles and led to manager Dave Roberts expressing the need to quickly move on from the game.
On July 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers experienced a crushing defeat at Dodger Stadium, losing 18-1 to the Houston Astros. This loss marks their most significant defeat in 78 years, a record previously held since July 3, 1947, when they lost 19-2 to the New York Giants. The game began poorly for the Dodgers as Isaac Paredes hit a home run on the first pitch of the match. The turning point occurred in the sixth inning when the Astros scored an astonishing ten runs; notably, Victor Caratini made a grand slam during this inning. This defeat is concerning as it highlights the team's struggles and potential issues in their pitching lineup, particularly with starter Ben Casparius, who allowed six runs from nine hits in three innings. Following the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated it was a performance the team would want to quickly forget, noting a lack of positives from that night. Orel Hershiser, a former player and now broadcaster, referenced the Astros' past sign-stealing scandal during the game, adding a layer of historical controversy to the match as fans chanted insults at Astros player Jose Altuve, who performed exceptionally well, hitting two home runs and driving in five runs. This defeat prompts questions about the team's future as they face the Astros in the remainder of the series.