The Dodgers secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in a tense and thrilling game on June 4, 2024. This game, played at Dodger Stadium, was a classic example of a pitcher’s duel, with both teams’ hurlers putting on a show for the fans. The final scoreline might suggest a low-key affair, but the game was anything but, with every inning brimming with tension, strategy, and key moments that ultimately determined the outcome.
Pitching Masterclass
Both teams came into this game with high expectations, and the starting pitchers did not disappoint. For the Dodgers, their ace Clayton Kershaw took the mound, while the Pirates countered with Mitch Keller. Both pitchers were in scintillating form, commanding their pitches with precision and keeping the opposing hitters off balance throughout the night.
Clayton Kershaw delivered another vintage performance, reminding everyone why he is still considered one of the best in the business. Kershaw pitched 7.2 innings of shutout baseball, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters. His ability to mix his fastball, curveball, and slider kept the Pirates guessing all night. Kershaw’s poise on the mound was evident, especially in the sixth inning when the Pirates threatened with runners on first and second with only one out. Kershaw induced an inning-ending double play, showcasing his veteran guile.
On the other side, Mitch Keller matched Kershaw pitch for pitch, putting on a display of his own. Keller pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six. Keller’s performance was highlighted by his ability to get out of jams. In the fourth inning, with runners on second and third and no outs, Keller struck out two consecutive batters before getting the final out on a groundball, keeping the game scoreless at that point.
The Decisive Moment
The game’s only run came in the bottom of the seventh inning, and it was a testament to the Dodgers’ ability to capitalize on the smallest of opportunities. With Keller still on the mound, Mookie Betts led off the inning with a sharp single to right field. Freddie Freeman followed with a well-placed sacrifice bunt, moving Betts into scoring position at second base. With one out, Will Smith stepped up to the plate.
Smith, who had been in a bit of a slump over the past few games, came through in the clutch. On a 2-1 count, he laced a double down the left-field line, scoring Betts easily from second. The Dodger Stadium crowd erupted as Betts crossed the plate, knowing that in a game where runs were at a premium, this could very well be the deciding factor.
Dodgers’ Bullpen Shuts the Door
After Kershaw’s exit in the eighth inning, the Dodgers turned to their bullpen to preserve the slim lead. Evan Phillips came in to face the heart of the Pirates’ order and quickly retired the only batter he faced to end the inning. In the ninth, it was Brusdar Graterol who took over the closing duties. Graterol, known for his blazing fastball, did not disappoint.
Graterol faced the top of the Pirates’ lineup and made quick work of them. He struck out Andrew McCutchen with a 101 mph fastball, got Bryan Reynolds to ground out weakly to second, and finished the game by inducing a flyout from Ke’Bryan Hayes. The save was Graterol’s ninth of the season, and it sealed the Dodgers’ 1-0 victory.
Offensive Struggles
While the pitching was undoubtedly the story of the night, the lack of offense from both teams was also a significant talking point. The Dodgers managed just five hits in the game, with Betts and Smith leading the way. Betts’ single in the seventh was his second hit of the night, while Smith’s game-winning double was his only hit but arguably the most important of the game.
For the Pirates, the offense was even more anemic. They were held to just three hits, all singles, and never seriously threatened after the sixth inning. Kershaw and the Dodgers’ bullpen combined to retire the final 10 Pirates batters in order, leaving Pittsburgh searching for answers.
Key Takeaways
This game was a perfect example of how baseball can be both beautiful and frustrating. For the Dodgers, it was a reminder of the importance of clutch hitting and elite pitching. Kershaw’s performance was a throwback to his Cy Young days, and Graterol’s dominant ninth inning showed why he is one of the most feared closers in the game.
For the Pirates, this loss was a tough pill to swallow. They had opportunities but couldn’t capitalize, and their bats were silenced by a masterful pitching display. Mitch Keller deserved better after his strong outing, but the lack of run support continues to be a concern for Pittsburgh as they look to stay competitive in a tough National League Central.
Dodgers Vs Pittsburgh Pirates Match Player Stats
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Pirates | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Pitching
| Player | Result | Record | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| J. Jones | Win | 4-5 | 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K, 3 BB |
| T. Glasnow | Loss | 6-4 | 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 9 K, 2 BB |
| D. Bednar | Save | 12 | 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 K, 0 BB |
Dodgers Hitting
| Player | Position | AB | R | H | RBI | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M. Betts | SS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .314 | .409 | .508 |
| S. Ohtani | DH | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .321 | .390 | .590 |
| F. Freeman | 1B | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .296 | .401 | .482 |
| W. Smith | C | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .296 | .363 | .515 |
| T. Hernández | RF-LF | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .251 | .318 | .460 |
| J. Heyward | RF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .229 | .309 | .417 |
| A. Pages | CF-PH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .256 | .287 | .397 |
| G. Lux | 2B | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .210 | .266 | .293 |
| M. Rojas | 3B | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .267 | .327 | .422 |
| C. Taylor | LF-CF | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .103 | .211 | .115 |
Dodgers Batting Summary
- 2B: Freeman (17, Jones); Smith (16, Jones); Lux (6, Holderman)
- GIDP: Ohtani
- Team LOB: 9
- Team RISP: 0-12 (Betts 0-1, Rojas 0-3, T. Hernández 0-3, Taylor 0-3, Pages 0-1, Lux 0-1)
Dodgers Baserunning
- SB: Heyward (2, 2nd base off Jones/Davis)
Dodgers Fielding
- E: Lux (1, throw)
Pirates Hitting
| Player | Position | AB | R | H | RBI | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R. Castro | 2B | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .255 | .355 | .401 |
| K. Hayes | 3B | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .248 | .301 | .379 |
| B. Reynolds | LF | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .256 | .305 | .438 |
| A. McCutchen | DH | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .271 | .371 | .464 |
| J. Suwinski | RF | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .209 | .328 | .473 |
| J. Bae | CF | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .243 | .303 | .341 |
| C. Santana | 1B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | .221 | .340 | .387 |
| J. Delay | C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .266 | .318 | .344 |
| O. Cruz | SS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .111 | .273 | .222 |
| J. Davis | PH-C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .272 | .359 | .456 |
Pirates Batting Summary
- HR: J. Bae (3, off Glasnow)
- GIDP: C. Santana
- Team LOB: 8
- Team RISP: 1-8 (Reynolds 1-2, McCutchen 0-1, Delay 0-1, Bae 0-1, Castro 0-2)
Pirates Baserunning
- SB: Bae (5, 2nd base off Glasnow/Smith)
Pirates Fielding
- E: Cruz (2, throw)
Conclusion
In the end, the Dodgers’ ability to manufacture a run and their dominant pitching were the difference-makers in this tightly contested game. With the victory, the Dodgers continued their strong start to the season, while the Pirates were left to ponder what might have been. As the season progresses, both teams will look back on games like this as crucial tests of their mettle, with the Dodgers passing this one with flying colors.