The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a dominant 12-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night, April 25, 2026. This high-scoring performance at Dodger Stadium effectively ended the Cubs' impressive 10-game winning streak and provided a much-needed offensive spark for a Dodgers team that had struggled in recent outings. The victory was characterized by a massive six-run fourth inning and stellar pitching from young ace Roki Sasaki, who earned his second major league win.

Game Overview: An Offensive Deluge at Dodger Stadium

Entering Saturday’s contest, the Los Angeles Dodgers were looking for answers after losing five of their previous seven games. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was tense yet hopeful, as fans gathered on Roki Sasaki’s bobblehead night. The game began under dark clouds, but the real storm occurred on the diamond.

The final score of 12-4 reflects one of the Dodgers' most productive offensive displays of the season. It was the fourth time this year that the team surpassed the 10-run mark, a testament to the depth of their lineup when all cylinders are firing. For the Chicago Cubs, the loss served as a reality check following a perfect stretch of 10 games where they looked nearly unbeatable. The Dodgers’ ability to manufacture runs through both power hitting and tactical "small ball" was the deciding factor in this matchup.

The Pivotal Fourth Inning Surge

While the early innings were a back-and-forth affair, the bottom of the fourth inning was where the Dodgers fundamentally shifted the momentum of the game. Trailing 3-2 after a solo home run by the Cubs' Moisés Ballesteros, the Dodgers’ bats came alive in a relentless pursuit of the lead.

The inning began with Alex Freeland delivering a clutch RBI double to tie the game at 3-3. The rally forced Cubs starter Colin Rea out of the game earlier than anticipated. Following Rea's exit, the Dodgers continued to apply pressure against the Chicago bullpen. Freddie Freeman contributed an RBI single, followed by a two-run single from Teoscar Hernández. Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages added RBI singles of their own, all with two outs recorded.

By the time the third out was finally made, the Dodgers had sent 11 hitters to the plate and scored six runs. This "offensive downpour" effectively deflated the Cubs' defense. Leading 8-3 at the end of the fourth, the Dodgers demonstrated that their lineup remains one of the most dangerous in baseball when they capitalize on scoring opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Shohei Ohtani Breaks Through the Slump

One of the most significant storylines heading into this game was the uncharacteristic slump of Shohei Ohtani. The superstar had gone 0-for-12 in his previous plate appearances, leading to questions about his timing at the plate. However, Ohtani quickly silenced those concerns in the first inning.

In his first at-bat, Ohtani lined a single to end his skid. He followed this up by swiping second base, marking his second stolen base of the young season. Ohtani’s contribution extended beyond just the hit; his presence on the basepaths created immediate pressure on the Cubs' pitching staff. Later in the third inning, Ohtani drew a walk and eventually scored on a game-tying two-run home run by Max Muncy.

Ohtani’s ability to reach base and utilize his speed is a critical component of the Dodgers' run production. Even during stretches where he isn't hitting for high power, his ability to draw walks and remain a threat on the bases ensures that the hitters behind him see better pitches. Ending the 0-for-12 slump is a vital psychological boost for both the player and the team.

Roki Sasaki's Commanding Presence on the Mound

On a night dedicated to him, Roki Sasaki (1-2) delivered a performance that justified the hype surrounding his arrival in the major leagues. The Japanese right-hander showcased high velocity and sharp breaking pitches, keeping the Cubs' hitters off-balance for much of the evening.

Sasaki threw a career-high 99 pitches, working into the sixth inning for the first time this year. While he did allow four runs—three of which came via solo home runs—his ability to limit the damage to individual shots rather than allowing big innings was crucial. He finished his outing with five strikeouts and seven hits allowed.

Sasaki’s transition from a closer role during the Dodgers’ previous World Series run to a primary starter has been a focal point of the team's pitching strategy. His win on Saturday night represents a significant step in his development, showing he has the stamina and the arsenal to navigate a deep major league lineup multiple times in a single game.

Key Offensive Contributors: Muncy, Pages, and Hernandez

While Ohtani and Sasaki drew much of the spotlight, the victory was a collective effort from the entire Dodgers lineup. Every Los Angeles starter recorded at least one hit, highlighting the team-wide offensive awakening.

  • Max Muncy: Hit his ninth home run of the season in the third inning, a two-run blast that tied the game at 2-2. Muncy’s power remains a staple of the Dodgers' middle order.
  • Andy Pages: Had a standout night with three RBIs. His two-run double in the sixth inning helped extend the lead to 12-4, effectively putting the game out of reach for Chicago.
  • Teoscar Hernández: Broke an 0-for-13 stretch with a critical two-run single during the fourth-inning rally. Hernández’s ability to drive in runs with two outs was a recurring theme throughout the night.

The depth of this performance is what the Dodgers have been striving for. When players like Pages and Hernández are contributing at the bottom of the order, it makes the task for opposing pitchers nearly impossible.

How the Chicago Cubs Lost Their Winning Momentum

The Chicago Cubs entered the series as the hottest team in Major League Baseball. Their 10-game winning streak had catapulted them to the top of the standings, but they ran into a determined Dodgers squad on Saturday.

The Cubs relied heavily on the long ball for their scoring. Seiya Suzuki, Moisés Ballesteros, and Miguel Amaya each hit solo home runs off Sasaki. While these home runs provided temporary leads and kept the game close in the early stages, solo shots are rarely enough to overcome a team that is scoring in bunches.

A critical missed opportunity occurred in the sixth inning. Trailing 8-4, the Cubs managed to load the bases. However, the Dodgers' bullpen held firm. Reliever Jack Dreyer struck out Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Will Klein induced a groundout from Miguel Amaya to end the threat. Failing to capitalize with the bases loaded was the final blow to the Cubs' comeback hopes.

Statistical Breakdown of the 12-4 Scoreline

The box score reveals the extent of the Dodgers' dominance in this matchup.

Team R H E
Chicago Cubs 4 7 0
LA Dodgers 12 14 0

Key Offensive Stats for the Dodgers:

  • Hits: 14 (A season-high for home games)
  • Runs Batted In (RBI): Andy Pages (3), Max Muncy (2), Teoscar Hernández (2).
  • Home Runs: Max Muncy (1).
  • Stolen Bases: Shohei Ohtani (1).

Key Pitching Stats:

  • Roki Sasaki: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 5 K, 1 BB (99 pitches).
  • Dodgers Bullpen: 3.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 K (Shutting down the Cubs' final comeback attempts).

Impact on the National League West Standings

This victory was more than just a single win; it was a statement of resilience for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Having briefly dropped out of the National League West lead following a loss in the series opener on Friday, this 12-4 win helped the Dodgers stabilize their position.

The National League West remains one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. With teams like the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants maintaining winning records, every game counts. The Dodgers' ability to respond to a losing streak by dismantling one of the league's best teams shows the veteran leadership and talent depth present in the clubhouse. It also sets up a high-stakes "rubber game" for the series finale on Sunday, where both teams will look to claim the series win.

Conclusion

The final score of the Dodgers game was 12-4 in favor of Los Angeles. This victory over the Chicago Cubs was a comprehensive team performance that featured a breakout offensive inning, the return to form for Shohei Ohtani, and a solid starting performance by Roki Sasaki. By snapping the Cubs' 10-game winning streak, the Dodgers have regained momentum and reminded the league of their explosive scoring potential.

Summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs with a final score of 12-4 on April 25, 2026. The game featured a massive six-run fourth inning, a two-run home run by Max Muncy, and three RBIs from Andy Pages. Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki earned the win, while Shohei Ohtani ended an 0-for-12 slump with a hit and a stolen base. The win successfully ended the Cubs' 10-game winning streak.

FAQ

What was the Dodgers score in the game against the Cubs? The Los Angeles Dodgers beat 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 for the Dodgers, pitching into the sixth inning and striking out five batters.

Did Shohei Ohtani get a hit in the Dodgers vs. Cubs game? Yes, Shohei Ohtani ended an 0-for-12 slump with a single in the first inning and later added a stolen base and a walk.

How many runs did the Dodgers score in the fourth inning? The Dodgers scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, which was the turning point of the game.

What was the Cubs' winning streak before this game? The Chicago Cubs had won 10 games in a row before being defeated 12-4 by the Dodgers.

Which Dodgers players hit home runs? Max Muncy hit a crucial two-run home run in the third inning to tie the game.