ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Freddie Freeman hit two more home runs, Max Muncy and J.D. Martinez also went deep and the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Texas Rangers 16-3 on Saturday.
The Dodgers, who won for the 10th time in 12 games, matched their season highs with 18 hits and five homers. Their last long ball was Jonny Deluca's three-run shot in the ninth off Brad Miller, the Texas utility player who pitched the final two innings.
It was the most lopsided loss of the season for the AL West-leading Rangers, who have lost back-to-back games after coming out of the All-Star break with a six-game winning streak that was their longest since 2019. They were beaten 12-0 at home by Atlanta on May 15.
Freeman went 4 for 5 with his 19th and 20th homers. Those were a solo shot and a two-run drive a day after he had a home run and three RBIs as Los Angeles won the series opener 11-5.
Dodgers rookie starter Bobby Miller (6-1) gave up Marcus Semien's homer on his second pitch, but worked six solid innings. The right-hander struck out six without a walk while allowing three runs.
Dane Dunning (8-3) had his shortest start of the season, allowing five runs over three innings. The seven hits against him matched the most he has permitted in 14 starts since moving into the Texas rotation after two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom's season-ending elbow injury.
Freeman and Muncy, who hit his 23rd homer, had solo shots in the third. The Dodgers increased their lead to 10-1 with a five-run fourth against reliever Glenn Otto. Freeman hit a two-run homer before consecutive walks that set up a three-run shot by Martinez, his 24th.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw (shoulder soreness) will throw another bullpen Monday before facing hitters. Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw came out “well” after a 40-pitch bullpen Friday. ... OF Chris Taylor said he felt fine a day after fouling a pitch off his left knee. He wasn't in the lineup because the Rangers started a right-handed pitcher.
Rangers: All-Star SS Corey Seager went on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right thumb. Seager said an MRI showed no structural issues. He got hurt in the series opener Friday night against his former team when he jammed his hand awkwardly into second base on a headfirst slide for a double. ... All-Star RF Adolis García, the AL RBI leader with 80, was hit on the right hand by a pitch in the fourth inning. He initially stayed in the game, but was lifted for a pinch-hitter an inning later when Texas trailed 10-3. The Rangers said X-rays were negative and he would continue to be evaluated.
UP NEXT
The Rangers play their 100th game of the season and will try to avoid being swept at home for the first time. LHP Martín Pérez (7-3, 4.84 ERA) faces the Dodgers for the first time in his career — they are the only MLB team he has never faced. RHP Emmet Sheehan (3-0, 4.91) will be the second rookie starter in a row for Los Angeles.
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