The Chicago Cubs made a powerful statement Friday night with a commanding 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. With early-season momentum on the line, both teams took the field in front of a packed crowd — and it was former Dodger Cody Bellinger who stole the show.
Returning to LA for the first time this season, Bellinger received a warm ovation from Dodgers fans before helping spark the Cubs’ offensive surge. Chicago’s bats came alive late in the game, taking advantage of a shaky Dodgers bullpen that surrendered several runs after starter Noah Syndergaard exited.
Syndergaard had a solid start, striking out nine over six innings, but the Cubs pounced in the later innings. Seiya Suzuki continued his hot streak, batting .375 in the series so far, while Christopher Morel added a massive two-run homer — his second of the series.
For the Dodgers, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were bright spots but couldn’t quite get the momentum going. Betts notched a hit and a walk, while Freeman, batting .316 this season, stayed consistent at the plate.
With two more games left in this critical series, the pressure is on for the Dodgers to bounce back. Game 2 is set for Saturday evening, with the finale on Sunday. These early matchups may prove crucial down the stretch as both teams eye postseason ambitions.
Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth coverage as the Cubs and Dodgers continue this high-stakes series.