Dodgers Clinch Postseason Berth as Shohei Ohtani Hits 52nd Homer in Win Over Giants, Clayton Kershaw Bids Farewell to Home Crowd

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers Defeat San Francisco Giants 6-3, Clinch Postseason Berth

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a hard-fought 6-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium, anchoring their spot in the postseason for the 13th consecutive year. The game featured pivotal performances and emotional moments, with legendary pitcher Clayton Kershaw making his regular-season home finale in front of a sellout crowd of 53,037 fans.

Ohtani and Betts Power Dodgers Offense

Shohei Ohtani ignited Dodger Stadium in the fifth inning, crushing his 52nd home run of the season—a three-run shot that turned the deficit into a lead. Andy Pages, who singled, and Kiké Hernández, who walked, both scored on Ohtani's homer off Giants starter Robbie Ray. Mookie Betts followed immediately with a solo blast, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 5-2. Pages later contributed an RBI double in the sixth inning, adding to Los Angeles' tally.

Kershaw’s Emotional Farewell

In what is expected to be the final regular-season home game of his storied 18-year career with Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw delivered 4 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on four hits, striking out six, and walking four. The veteran ace exited to a lengthy ovation and heartfelt hugs from manager Dave Roberts and teammates. Kershaw had announced earlier in the week his intention to retire at the end of the season.

Giants Early Lead

San Francisco got off to a strong start with Heliot Ramos launching a solo home run to lead off the game. Wilmer Flores added an RBI single in the third. Kershaw left the game with the Dodgers trailing 2-1, but the Giants’ lead was short-lived as the Los Angeles offense surged in the fifth.

Dodgers Bullpen Secures Win

Edgardo Henriquez (2-1) provided a crucial relief appearance, allowing just one hit and striking out three to earn the victory. The Giants managed one more run in the seventh on Matt Chapman’s RBI single, but the Dodgers held firm.

Notable Moments and Statistics

The Dodgers clinched a postseason berth, marking their 13th straight playoff appearance and setting up their first Wild Card series since 2021. Shohei Ohtani extended his major league-leading on-base streak to 24 games, maintaining his status as one of baseball’s most impactful players.

Looking Ahead: Probable Pitchers

The series continues as Giants right-hander Kai-Wei Teng (2-4, 6.41 ERA) is slated to face Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (3-3, 3.06 ERA) on Saturday.

In summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers topped the San Francisco Giants 6-3, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s dramatic three-run homer and Mookie Betts’ solo shot. The victory was significant as the Dodgers clinched a playoff berth and Clayton Kershaw made a memorable home finale amid his retirement announcement. With strong bullpen support and timely offense, Los Angeles continues its playoff tradition while the Giants seek to regroup for the remainder of the series.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.