In a Friday night contest at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals, All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers made a strong impact. Despite arriving late in Kansas City due to a weather-delayed game the previous night, Betts hit two home runs off Alec Marsh, who was making his major league debut. Betts went 4 for 4 with two walks, reaching base six times and driving in four runs. His performance helped the Dodgers secure a 9-3 victory over the Royals.
Jason Heyward also had a notable game, contributing three hits and two RBIs for the Dodgers. The team’s offense remained hot, recording 11 hits and nine walks in addition to Betts’ impressive performance. Pitcher Bobby Miller (4-1) received ample support from the offense, pitching into the sixth inning and allowing three runs on five hits and a walk.
Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto, and Freddy Fermin drove in runs for the Royals, who have struggled against the Dodgers in recent matchups. Alec Marsh, making his debut for the Royals, performed decently apart from facing Betts. He pitched five innings, allowing five runs on four walks and six hits while striking out five batters.
The game saw lightning in the outfield sky, but play continued after a brief huddle by the umpires. The Dodgers scored three runs in the eighth inning, securing their victory.
In other news, the Royals traded left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers for left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans and outfielder Roni Cabrera before the game. The Dodgers made roster moves, activating pitcher Daniel Hudson and optioning pitcher Nick Robertson to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
On the injury front, Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw plans to play catch on Saturday rather than throw a bullpen session. He is expected to start on Monday after experiencing shoulder tenderness earlier in the week.
In the next game, Dodgers left-handed pitcher Julio Urías, who has been out with a hamstring injury since May 17, is expected to start. He will be matched up against Royals left-handed pitcher Daniel Lynch.
The MLB scoreboard for Friday, June 30, 2023:
Chicago Cubs 10, Cleveland Guardians 1
New York Yankees at St. Louis Cardinals – Postponed (Rain)
Los Angeles Dodgers 9, Kansas City Royals 3
Colorado Rockies 8, Detroit Tigers 5
Arizona Diamondbacks 6, Los Angeles Angels 2
Minnesota Twins 8, Baltimore Orioles 1
Boston Red Sox 5, Toronto Blue Jays 0
Houston Astros 5, Texas Rangers 3
Oakland Athletics 7, Chicago White Sox 4
Tampa Bay Rays 15, Seattle Mariners 4
Cincinnati Reds 7, San Diego Padres 5 (11)
Washington Nationals 2, Philadelphia Phillies 1
Pittsburgh Pirates 8, Milwaukee Brewers 7
San Francisco Giants 5, New York Mets 4
Atlanta Braves 16, Miami Marlins 4
