Teoscar Hernández delivered a go-ahead, two-run double in the ninth inning to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers past the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 and avoid a series sweep.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (83-57) defeated the St. Louis Cardinals (70-71) with a final score of 3-2 on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. The outcome was decided in the bottom of the ninth inning when Teoscar Hernández launched a go-ahead, two-run double off reliever Riley O’Brien, securing the victory for Los Angeles and preventing the Cardinals from completing a four-game sweep of the NL West leaders.
Dodgers Avoid Sweep With Late Inning Heroics
Los Angeles improved their record to 83-57 with the win, maintaining their hold on first place in the NL West. The victory was particularly significant given the team’s extensive injury list, which has depleted both their rotation and bullpen depth throughout the season. Despite missing key arms like Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and Brusdar Graterol on the 60-Day IL, as well closer Edwin Diaz on the 15-Day IL, the Dodgers found a way to survive against a resilient Cardinals squad.
Hernández’s hit not only broke the tie but also capitalized on the defensive alignment, sending the ball into the outfield gap for extra bases. The run proved decisive in a game where margins were razor-thin. Manager Dave Roberts managed a strained pitching staff effectively, though the loss of Shohei Ohtani loomed large over the series narrative. Ohtani did not play Thursday after appearing physically uncomfortable during Wednesday’s contest, where he went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Roberts described the superstar as “visibly” ailing with biceps and neck issues, listing him as Day-To-Day heading into the next series.
Cardinals Fall Short in Tight Contest
St. Louis dropped to 70-71, remaining third in the NL Central but losing the momentum they had built earlier in the week. The Cardinals had entered Thursday seeking to complete a sweep, fueled by an 8-6 victory the previous night where Thomas Saggese hit a go-ahead, two-strike infield single in the 10th inning. That offensive spark, however, failed to translate into a win on Thursday night.
The Cardinals’ offense struggled to generate timely hits against the Dodgers’ pitching, leaving them vulnerable in the late innings. The loss highlights the challenges St. Louis faces in high-leverage situations as they navigate the final stretch of the season. With several key contributors sidelined—including Masyn Winn, Andre Pallante, Everson Pereira, JJ Wetherholt, and Peter Strzelecki—the roster depth was tested heavily. Riley O’Brien took the loss after surrendering Hernández’s walk-off double, underscoring the bullpen’s critical role in close games down the homestand.
Turning Point: The Ninth Inning
The game remained deadlocked until the ninth inning, where the dynamic shifted instantly. With the score tied, Hernández stepped up to the plate against O’Brien. His two-run double provided the insurance runs that ultimately sealed the game. For the Cardinals, the inability to protect a lead or respond offensively in the ninth proved fatal. The sequence highlighted the difference between the two clubs in clutch moments, with Los Angeles leveraging their veteran presence to execute a game-winning play under pressure.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Dodgers, this win preserves their divisional lead and keeps their playoff positioning secure. They will look to extend their winning momentum when they host the Washington Nationals (67-75) on September 5. The health of Shohei Ohtani remains a variable; if he can return soon, it would provide a massive boost to an offense that has had to compensate for his absence due to injury.
For the Cardinals, the focus shifts immediately to bouncing back. They travel to face the last-place Colorado Rockies (54-86) in a three-game series starting Friday. This matchup presents a crucial opportunity to regain confidence and keep pace with division rivals. Every game counts for St. Louis as they aim to solidify their standing in the competitive NL Central race.
- Teoscar Hernández: Delivered the walk-off, two-run double in the ninth to win the game for LA.
- Riley O’Brien: Took the loss after giving up the decisive hit to Hernández.
- Shohei Ohtani: Listed as Day-To-Day with biceps and neck issues; missed Thursday’s game.
- Series Context: The Dodgers avoided a sweep, while the Cardinals failed to complete one despite winning the previous night.
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