Dustin May Ties Season-High Strikeout Mark, Teoscar Hernández Launches Key Homer to Propel Dodgers to Much-Needed Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers returned to the win column in impressive fashion, thanks to a dazzling performance on the mound from right-hander Dustin May and a timely display of power from outfielder Teoscar Hernández. With a combination of overpowering pitching and clutch hitting, the Dodgers defeated their opponent in a game that showcased the kind of balanced performance they’ve been seeking amid an up-and-down stretch.

May, who continues to inch closer to his pre-surgery form, delivered one of his finest outings of the season, tying his season high in strikeouts while silencing the opposition for much of the night. The 26-year-old righty worked with conviction, aggression, and precision, keeping hitters off balance with a mix of high-velocity fastballs, sharp cutters, and an increasingly refined curveball. From the outset, it was clear May was locked in. His mound presence and ability to induce swings and misses set the tone for a dominant night.

Across six-and-two-thirds innings, May racked up 10 strikeouts, tying his best mark of the year. He allowed just a handful of baserunners, walked only two, and rarely found himself in trouble. When he did, he responded with poise and command, flashing the kind of composure that has long made the Dodgers believe in his potential to be a frontline starter. He pounded the strike zone early, commanding both sides of the plate, and made quick work of several innings. His fastball consistently sat in the high 90s and topped out at 99 mph, but what truly impressed was how he paired that velocity with movement and command.

May’s dominance helped keep the game tight in the early going, as the Dodgers’ offense took some time to break through. It wasn’t until the fifth inning that the game’s defining blow was delivered, courtesy of Teoscar Hernández, who continues to prove his worth as one of the team’s most valuable additions this season.

Hernández, facing a 1-1 count with a runner aboard, turned around a hanging slider and sent it soaring over the left-field wall for a two-run home run that sent Dodger Stadium into a frenzy. The blast, which left his bat at over 105 miles per hour, traveled an estimated 421 feet and gave the Dodgers a lead they would not relinquish. It was Hernández’s 12th home run of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The veteran outfielder has provided both power and presence in the heart of the lineup, and his ability to come through in big moments has quickly made him a favorite among fans and teammates alike. His homer served as the jolt the Dodgers needed to seize momentum, and they carried it through the rest of the contest.

Manager Dave Roberts praised both May and Hernández after the game, noting how their performances exemplified the kind of effort and execution the club has been looking for.

“Dustin was outstanding tonight,” Roberts said postgame. “He attacked from pitch one and really set the tone for us. And Teo—what more can you say? That was a huge swing that gave us the lift we needed. Just a great win overall.”

The Dodgers added an insurance run in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a leadoff walk and a pair of singles to extend their lead to 3-0. That run loomed large as the opposing lineup began to show signs of life late in the game.

The bullpen, which has had its struggles this season, took over for May with two outs in the seventh and made sure his strong outing didn’t go to waste. Daniel Hudson got the final out of the seventh with a strikeout of his own, stranding a runner in scoring position. In the eighth, Blake Treinen worked around a single and a wild pitch to deliver a scoreless frame. Then, in the ninth, closer Evan Phillips shut the door with a clean inning, locking down the save and securing a much-needed win for a Dodgers team that has been searching for consistency.

The victory was particularly important given the Dodgers’ recent string of tough losses and offensive lulls. With a mix of veterans and young players still trying to find their rhythm, games like this—where both the pitching and offense come through—offer a glimpse into what this team is capable of when everything clicks.

May’s resurgence continues to be one of the most encouraging storylines of the season. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021 and enduring a long road back, he has gradually worked his way into form, and outings like this one serve as a reminder of why he’s been so highly regarded in the organization for years. His strikeout ability, paired with his ground-ball tendencies and mound demeanor, make him a weapon every fifth day.

For Hernández, the home run was just the latest in a string of impressive performances. Known for his pop and ability to drive in runs, he has embraced the role of run producer and has delivered time and time again, especially in high-leverage situations. His bat speed, pitch recognition, and ability to hit the ball to all fields make him a constant threat in the middle of the order.

Beyond the key contributors, the Dodgers got solid defensive play and timely base running to complement their winning formula. Mookie Betts made a pair of slick plays at shortstop, continuing his strong transition to the infield. Freddie Freeman contributed with a double and a walk, helping set the table in the middle innings, while Will Smith worked a critical walk that preceded Hernández’s homer.

As the Dodgers look ahead to a crucial stretch of games, this win could serve as a turning point. The team knows the road won’t get easier—divisional games, road trips, and injuries have all tested their depth—but performances like May’s and Hernández’s show they have the pieces to compete with anyone when things fall into place.

In the postgame clubhouse, May spoke with reporters about his outing, emphasizing the trust he’s been building with his catcher and the coaching staff. “I feel more confident every time out,” he said. “It’s about getting into a rhythm and attacking hitters, and tonight everything felt like it was working. But most importantly, we got the win.”

Hernández, meanwhile, kept things humble when discussing his homer. “I was just trying to stay short and get a good pitch to hit,” he said. “Luckily, I got one and didn’t miss it. It felt good, especially in front of the home crowd. We needed that one.”

With the win, the Dodgers improved their record and gained some ground in a competitive National League West. The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their homestand. Up next, another tough opponent awaits, but the energy in the stadium and the confidence in the dugout suggested that this club might be turning a corner.

While it’s only one win in a long season, the way it came together—elite starting pitching, timely power, clutch bullpen work—felt like a blueprint the Dodgers can follow moving forward. For now, May’s electric performance and Hernández’s emphatic home run will serve as a reminder of just how good this team can be when its stars shine.

And if those stars keep producing like they did on this night, it won’t be long before the Dodgers find themselves riding a hot streak. For a team with championship aspirations and a fan base hungry for success, it was the kind of night that reignites belief and reminds everyone why the Dodgers are never far from the spotlight.