Freeman’s go-ahead 2-run homer rescues banged-up Ohtani in Dodgers’ 5-4 win over Rays

By: Beth Harris, The Associated Press Posted: 5:12 PM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning after the Tampa Bay Rays scored four runs off a banged-up Shohei Ohtani in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-4 win on Wednesday.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Freeman’s 407-foot shot to center off reliever Kevin Kelly (4-3) rescued Ohtani, who trailed 4-2 after giving up five hits and four runs in the fifth.

The Dodgers swept the three-game series, just their second-ever sweep of the Rays and first since August 2013.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Ohtani (7-2) left the mound after six innings and was inserted in the bottom of the inning as a pinch hitter for designated hitter Miguel Rojas. Ohtani grounded out on one pitch to end the inning. It was the only at-bat Ohtani got and the Dodgers lost the DH for the rest of the game.

The blister on Ohtani’s middle finger of his right hand that he had in Pittsburgh last week got bloodied. The two-way superstar was already dealing with left knee inflammation that manager Dave Roberts said before the game wasn’t completely resolved.

Ohtani has allowed seven earned runs in his last two starts against the Pirates and Rays. The right-hander gave up four runs and seven hits, struck out five and walked one, raising his ERA to 1.47.

Alex Vesia got out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth by striking out Cedric Mullins to end the game and earn his third save.

The Dodgers led 2-0 on a pair of two-out RBI singles by Alex Call and Alex Freeland in the fourth.

The Rays went ahead 4-2 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Taylor Walls, Yandy Diaz’s RBI single, a fielder’s choice groundout by Junior Caminero and Richie Palacios’ RBI single. It snapped a 20-inning scoreless streak by Dodgers’ pitching.

Rays reliever Garrett Cleavinger came in with the bases loaded and walked Kyle Tucker in the fifth, getting the Dodgers to 4-3.

Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman was hitless with a walk in his season debut after missing nearly three months while recovering from offseason ankle surgery.

Rays starter Shane McClanahan gave up two runs and three hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked five.