Dodgers Score 12 Runs to Snap Cubs 10-Game Win Streak

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a dominant 12-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night, ending the Cubs' impressive 10-game winning streak and resetting the momentum in the National League. Playing at home in front of a capacity crowd, the Dodgers utilized a pair of massive scoring outbursts—a six-run fourth inning and a four-run sixth inning—to overwhelm the Chicago pitching staff. Roki Sasaki earned his second career Major League win, while Shohei Ohtani snapped a significant hitting slump in a night defined by offensive efficiency and tactical resilience.

Final Score and Statistical Summary

The final box score reflected a one-sided affair that started as a tight contest. The Dodgers finished with 12 runs on 14 hits, while the Cubs managed 4 runs on 7 hits.

• Los Angeles Dodgers: 12 Runs, 14 Hits, 0 Errors
• Chicago Cubs: 4 Runs, 7 Hits, 1 Error

This victory was particularly crucial for Los Angeles, as it followed a frustrating series opener where the bullpen surrendered a lead. By scoring double-digit runs for the fourth time this season, the Dodgers demonstrated that their lineup remains the most potent threat in baseball when synchronized.

The Fourth Inning Rally That Changed the Game

Entering the bottom of the fourth inning, the Dodgers trailed 3-2 after the Cubs had taken a slim lead via a home run from Moisés Ballesteros. The turning point of the game occurred as Los Angeles systematically dismantled the Cubs' defensive structure through a combination of "small ball" and high-leverage hitting.

Alex Freeland initiated the scoring surge with an RBI double that tied the game at 3-3. The inning quickly escalated when Freddie Freeman lined an RBI single, forcing the exit of Cubs starter Colin Rea. With two outs, the Dodgers showed their ability to extend innings. Teoscar Hernández delivered a high-pressure two-run single, followed by RBI contributions from Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages. By the time the third out was recorded, the Dodgers had built an 8-3 lead, effectively demoralizing the Chicago dugout and silencing the momentum of their long winning streak.

Roki Sasaki’s Command and Second MLB Victory

A primary storyline of the evening was the performance of Roki Sasaki. Making his fifth career start in the Major Leagues, the Japanese right-hander showcased why he was the most sought-after international talent of the previous off-season. Sasaki (2-2) threw a career-high 99 pitches, working into the sixth inning for the first time this season.

Despite allowing four runs—three of which came on solo home runs from Seiya Suzuki, Moisés Ballesteros, and Miguel Amaya—Sasaki’s ability to limit damage was evident. He struck out five batters and maintained an average fastball velocity that consistently pressured the Cubs' hitters. His performance was especially meaningful as it took place on his official bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium, adding a layer of ceremony to his clinical execution on the mound.

Sasaki’s transition from a closer role during last year’s World Series run to a primary starter is progressing according to the team's long-term developmental plan. His ability to navigate a lineup as hot as the Cubs' provides the Dodgers' rotation with much-needed stability as the season approaches May.

Shohei Ohtani Ends Hitting Slump

For the first time in a week, the pressure surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s recent performance began to dissipate. Entering the game on an 0-for-12 skid, Ohtani wasted no time in making an impact. In the first inning, he laced a single to center field, ending the longest hitless drought of his early 2026 campaign.

Following the hit, Ohtani immediately put pressure on the Cubs' battery by stealing second base, his second of the year. While he did not record a home run in this specific contest, his presence at the top of the order served as the catalyst for the rest of the lineup. When Ohtani is on base, the dynamics of the game shift, forcing opposing pitchers to adjust their approach to hitters like Freeman and Smith, which was a clear factor in the Dodgers' 14-hit night.

Breakout Performances by Max Muncy and Andy Pages

While the superstars often command the headlines, the depth of the Dodgers’ roster was the engine behind the 12-4 scoreline.

Max Muncy played a pivotal role in the early stages of the game. In the third inning, with the Dodgers trailing, Muncy launched a towering two-run home run to tie the game. This home run provided the initial spark that prevented the Cubs from pulling away early. Muncy’s ability to produce power from the bottom half of the order continues to be a unique advantage for Los Angeles.

Andy Pages also had a career-defining night. Pages recorded three RBIs, including a two-run double in the sixth inning that pushed the game out of reach. His defensive reliability in the outfield, combined with his emerging power, suggests he is carving out a permanent role in the starting nine. Pages eventually scored on a wild pitch by reliever Vince Velasquez, highlighting the Cubs' defensive lapses during the latter stages of the game.

Defensive Execution and Bullpen Reliability

Following Sasaki’s departure in the sixth inning, the Dodgers' bullpen was tasked with preventing a repeat of Friday’s collapse. The Cubs threatened to mount a comeback in the sixth, loading the bases while trailing 8-4.

Reliever Jack Dreyer provided a masterclass in high-leverage pitching, striking out Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong in succession. Will Klein then entered the game to induce a crucial groundout to the mound by Miguel Amaya, ending the threat and preserving the four-run lead. This successful navigation of the middle innings allowed the Dodgers to play with confidence in the final third of the game.

The defensive highlight of the night included several sharp plays by the infield, specifically Max Muncy at third base and Miguel Rojas at shortstop, who both demonstrated elite range and transition speed.

Implications for the National League West Standings

This victory was more than just a single win; it was a statement of resilience. Before this game, the Dodgers had lost five of their last seven contests, a slump that briefly saw them fall out of the National League West lead.

By snapping the Cubs' 10-game win streak, the Dodgers regained their footing at the top of the division. The win improved their record to 17-8, narrowly ahead of the surging San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. For the Cubs, the loss brings them to 16-9, still a formidable start to the season but a reminder of the volatility of early-season baseball.

Detailed Inning-by-Inning Breakdown

Early Innings: Power vs. Precision

The game began with a high-intensity duel between Sasaki and Rea. The Cubs struck first with a solo shot from Seiya Suzuki, but the Dodgers responded through the aforementioned Muncy home run. By the end of the third inning, the score was deadlocked, setting the stage for the explosive middle innings.

The Middle Innings: The Dodgers Take Control

The fourth and sixth innings will be remembered as the defining moments of the series. The Dodgers’ ability to manufacture runs through walks, stolen bases, and situational hitting—rather than relying solely on the long ball—showcased a tactical maturity that is often missing from high-payroll teams. The 10 runs scored in these two innings alone would have been enough to win the game.

Late Innings: Managing the Lead

With a 12-4 lead heading into the seventh, the Dodgers utilized their lower-leverage relief options to finish the game. The focus shifted toward pitch efficiency and injury prevention. The Cubs' offense appeared to lose its edge after the bases-loaded failure in the sixth, eventually going down in order in the final two frames.

Player Performance Metrics

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Postseason

The Dodgers will look to carry this momentum into their next series as they continue their home stand. With the rotation beginning to find its rhythm and the core hitters shaking off early-season slumps, the focus remains on building a sustainable lead in the NL West. The health of the bullpen and the continued development of Roki Sasaki as a frontline starter remain the two most critical factors for the organization as they eye a deep October run.

The Chicago Cubs, despite the loss, remain one of the strongest teams in the National League. Their 10-game streak proved they have the pitching depth and power hitting to compete with the elite. This series in Los Angeles has likely served as a preview of a high-stakes postseason matchup later this year.

Summary

The Dodgers' 12-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on April 25, 2026, was a comprehensive display of baseball excellence. By combining a breakout performance from Roki Sasaki with a relentless offensive attack led by Muncy, Pages, and Ohtani, Los Angeles re-established itself as the team to beat in the National League. Snapping the Cubs' 10-game win streak serves as a reminder of the Dodgers' ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier competition.

FAQ

What was the Dodgers score today?

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs with a final score of 12-4 on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Who was the winning pitcher for the Dodgers?

Roki Sasaki earned the win, moving his season record to 2-2. He pitched into the sixth inning and struck out five batters.

Did Shohei Ohtani get a hit?

Yes, Shohei Ohtani ended an 0-for-12 slump with a single in the first inning. He also recorded a stolen base during the game.

How many runs did the Dodgers score in their biggest inning?

The Dodgers scored 6 runs in the fourth inning, which turned a 3-2 deficit into an 8-3 lead.

What happened to the Cubs' winning streak?

The Cubs' 10-game winning streak was snapped by the Dodgers' 12-4 victory.