Dodgers Walk Off Twins 4–3 in Wild Ninth-Inning Finish

By Oliver Wiener July 25, 2025 09:23

In a dramatic showdown at Dodger Stadium on July 23, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Minnesota Twins 4-3 in a thrilling walk-off victory that electrified the home crowd and exemplified the season's tension-filled race. The game, marked by stellar pitching, clutch hitting, and bullpen drama, ended with Freddie Freeman’s walk-off single, sealing a comeback that kept the Dodgers firmly in the National League playoff conversation.

Right-hander Tyler Glasnow delivered an impressive start for the Dodgers, going seven strong innings while allowing just one run on three hits and striking out 12 batters. Glasnow, recently returned from an injury that sidelined most of his season, raised his ERA to 1.00 over his last three starts, showcasing his potential as a critical piece of the Dodgers’ rotation. His mastery on the mound was pivotal, limiting the Twins’ potent lineup and keeping the Dodgers in a position to win early.

The Twins struck first with a solo home run by star Shohei Ohtani in the top of the first inning, his fifth consecutive game with a homer and his 37th of the season, further solidifying his status as the majors' top offensive threat. Minnesota’s Royce Lewis countered in the third inning with his fifth home run, tying the game and setting a competitive tone.

The Dodgers regained a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning on a clutch single by Tommy Edman, who drove in a run to break the tie. However, their bullpen faltered in the eighth inning. Kirby Yates struggled, walking three batters and loading the bases without recording an out. Despite Alex Vesia inducing a double play from Willi Castro, the Twins capitalized as Gio Bader delivered a two-out single that scored the tying run, giving Minnesota a fleeting 3-2 advantage.

The tension reached fever pitch in the bottom of the ninth. With the Dodgers trailing 3-2, they mounted a thrilling rally. After loading the bases with two outs, Shohei Ohtani drew an intentional walk, moving the tying run into scoring position and the winning run to the plate. With the crowd on its feet, Freddie Freeman stepped up and delivered a sharp single to left field. The ball eluded outfielder Bader, allowing the winning run to score and sending Dodger Stadium into a frenzy.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his team’s never-say-die attitude, saying, “That’s what championship teams are made of the ability to fight through adversity and find a way to win when it matters most.” Freeman reflected on his walk-off hit: “Sometimes, you just have to put the ball in play and let the game take its course. It felt incredible to get that hit for the team and our fans.”

Despite the loss, Twins manager Mancini highlighted the competitive nature of the contest and the resilience of his team, “We battled all day, but credit to the Dodgers they made a big play when it counted.” Minnesota remains locked in a tight playoff hunt in the American League Central, while the Dodgers improve to 59-43, maintaining their position atop the NL West.

This game underscored the Dodgers’ blend of emerging pitching strength with Glasnow’s dominant outing and veteran leadership with Freeman’s clutch hitting. Yet, it also exposed bullpen vulnerabilities that the team must address as the regular season winds down.