Freddie Freeman returns as Dodgers down Phillies

Field Level Media|published: Tue 6th August, 24:52 2024

Aug 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrates with right fielder Jason Heyward (23) after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Teoscar Hernandez and Shohei Ohtani homered as the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated the return of Freddie Freeman with a 5-3 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.

Freeman had a hit in four at-bats after missing the previous eight games to be with his 3-year-old son, who was dealing with an autoimmune syndrome that caused temporary paralysis and necessitated the use of a breathing machine.

Right-hander Tyler Glasnow (9-6) gave up three runs on five hits over six innings with nine strikeouts and no walks as Los Angeles moved a half a game behind the National League-best Phillies. Glasnow now has a career-best 164 strikeouts.

Austin Hays had two hits for the Phillies, who lost for the seventh time in their past eight games. Philadelphia is 1-3 on a 10-game road trip.

Right-hander Aaron Nola (11-5) allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings as Philadelphia lost the fourth consecutive game he has started. He fanned four without issuing a walk.

The Phillies took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Bryson Stott had an RBI single and later scored on a Glasnow wild pitch.

The Dodgers broke through for a four-run third inning. Jason Heyward and Andy Pages opened the frame with back-to-back doubles for a run. An Ohtani sacrifice fly made it 2-2 before Hernandez hit a two-run home run down the left field line, his 24th of the season.

The Phillies pulled to within a run in the sixth inning when Alec Bohm's groundout scored Kyle Schwarber. Ohtani's leadoff home run in the eighth, his NL-leading 34th on the season, built a two-run Los Angeles cushion.

Dodgers relievers Michael Kopech and Anthony Banda followed Glasnow with a scoreless inning each, and Daniel Hudson pitched a scoreless ninth for his eighth save.

Freeman received a standing ovation in advance of his at-bat in the first inning, and he waved to the crowd while tapping his chest in appreciation. He even appeared to wipe away a tear before striking out. Freeman singled in the third inning and received a hug at first base from the Phillies' Bryce Harper.

--Field Level Media