As the Dodgers outlast the Giants, Freddie Freeman ignites an eleventh-inning rally with a clutch bloop single.

It was a showdown befitting the storied rivalry between the Dodgers and Giants. On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Oracle Park, the game remained deadlocked at 2–2 through nine innings after the Giants’ dramatic comeback and the Dodgers’ clutch response. Once the 11th inning began, one moment changed everything. Here’s how the drama unfolded.

Robbie Ray, the Giants’ All-Star lefty, had battled the Dodgers over six innings, allowing just two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out six. His early damage came when Miguel Rojas belted a solo home run in the fifth, and Freddie Freeman delivered an RBI double in the fourth to account for L.A.’s first two runs .

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, also an All-Star, matched Ray pitch for pitch for seven shutout innings, silencing the Giants with seven strikeouts over just three hits . It was a true pitchers’ duel until the late innings gave way to heart-stopping turns.

In the top of the ninth, Dodgers closer Tanner Scott blew his seventh save of the season. Giants pinch hitter Luis Matos crushed a two-run homer to tie the game—a pinch-hit shot that electrified the crowd and tied things up at 2–2 .

Neither side scored in the tenth, but the drama ratcheted up in the eleventh. With two outs, Spencer Bivens intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani, then Mookie Betts and Will Smith went down. Up stepped Freddie Freeman. With a slow bloop into shallow right-center, the baseball landed cleanly between three outfielders and brought in James Outman from second, breaking the 2–2 tie . Freeman’s hit had just 70 mph exit velocity—barely more than a bunt—but it was perfectly placed and perfectly timed . That single ignited the rally that sealed the win.

But the rally didn’t stop there. Teoscar Hernández followed with an infield single that forced an error on the throw home, scoring a second run. Andy Pages kept the momentum rolling with an RBI bloop single to right field, plating another run and pushing the Dodgers ahead 5–2 .

Dodgers reliever Ben Casparius sealed the victory by throwing a perfect 11th inning, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto was credited with the hard-fought win after his dominant outing .

Manager Bob Melvin summed it up well: “Baseball can be a cruel game. It’s just the way it is sometimes… Unfortunately it didn’t work in our favor” . The Giants, who picked up a pinch-hit homer in the ninth but couldn’t hold through extras, ended the first half just a half-game out of a wild card spot at 52–45, with optimism high for the second half. Several players, including Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, are headed to the All-Star Game .

For the Dodgers, the win improved their record to 58–39 and extended their win streak to two heading into the All-Star break, maintaining their hold on the NL West lead . Dave Roberts, heading to manage the NL All-Star team, hinted that Clayton Kershaw may pitch early—potentially his final All-Star appearance .

Freddie Freeman’s 11th-inning heroics—two hits, two RBIs, including that decisive bloop single—earned him star billing . As the defending World Series champions, the Dodgers needed a win to sustain momentum heading into July. With Shanahan’s leadership, consistent bullpen support, and timely hitting, they’re looking to carry this rhythm into a deeper run.

Meanwhile, the Giants lamented their offensive woes. Despite Matos’ timely homer, their offense only managed a total of five hits—three off Yamamoto—highlighting their struggles against elite starting pitching . But with key pieces hitting form and bullpen issues tightening up, they’re confident about their postseason chances.

That final, clutch bloop from Freeman will be replayed across highlight reels—an emblem of how in baseball, the most unsung hits can shift destinies. It’s a testament to situational hitting, well-constructed lineups, and unwavering resilience. Two storied franchises, two All-Stars on the hill, and yet Freddie Freeman stole the show with one perfectly placed swing.