ST. LOUIS, June 8, 2025 — The Los Angeles Dodgers salvaged the final game of their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, securing a 7–3 victory on Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium. Veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw delivered a commanding performance, earning his first win of the season and helping the Dodgers avoid a series sweep.
Kershaw, making his fifth start since returning from offseason knee and toe surgeries, pitched five innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out seven batters without issuing a walk. The seven strikeouts marked his highest total in a start since June 8, 2023. The 36-year-old southpaw improved to 1–0 on the season, lowering his ERA to 4.60.
“It felt good to get back into a rhythm and contribute to a team win,” Kershaw said postgame. “The guys played great behind me, and our offense came through early.”
The Dodgers’ offense, which had been stifled in the first two games of the series—scoring only one run over 18 innings—came alive in the finale. Los Angeles jumped out to a 3–0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by Tommy Edman’s sacrifice fly and a two-run triple by Hyeseong Kim. Mookie Betts added a solo home run in the third inning, his 15th of the season, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 4–0.
Edman, facing his former team for the first time since being traded to Los Angeles in the offseason, finished the game with three RBIs, including a run-scoring double in the fifth inning. “It was a bit surreal being back here, but I’m glad I could help the team get a win,” Edman remarked.
Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy (1–1) struggled early, surrendering four runs on eight hits over six innings. The right-hander struck out five but was unable to contain the Dodgers’ rejuvenated lineup.
St. Louis managed to score a run in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Willson Contreras, but the Dodgers responded with two more runs in the fifth, capitalizing on McGreevy’s fatigue and a misplay by the Cardinals’ defense. Alec Burleson added a solo home run for the Cardinals in the seventh inning, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.
The Dodgers’ bullpen held firm, with relievers Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, and Brusdar Graterol combining for four innings of two-run ball to close out the game. The victory improved Los Angeles’ record to 39–27, maintaining their lead in the National League West division.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with the team’s resilience. “After two tough losses, it was important for us to come out strong and set the tone early,” Roberts said. “Clayton gave us exactly what we needed, and the offense responded.”
The Cardinals, now 36–29, remain in second place in the NL Central, trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. St. Louis will look to rebound as they begin a three-game home series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.
The Dodgers will continue their road trip with a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, starting Monday night. Right-hander Bobby Miller is scheduled to start the opener for Los Angeles.