Dodgers make wrong kind of history on Fourth of July

Dana Becker

Dodgers make wrong kind of history on Fourth of July image

The start of a big series on the Fourth of July did not go the way the Los Angeles Dodgers were expecting. Facing off with fellow division leader the Houston Astros, the Dodgers were dominated, 18-1.

The 17-run margin of defeat was the worst for Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium since the team moved in 1962. In terms of the franchise, it marked the worst home loss since July 3, 1947 when the Brooklyn Dodgers fell to the New York Giants, 19-2.

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Los Angeles was limited to just six hits in the game, with Will Smith hitting a solo home runs. 

"That was one you want to flush as soon as possible," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said (thanks to ESPN for the quotes). "I don't think there were many positives from this night."

The Astros, who are leading the American League West, were led by Jose Altuve, who hit two home runs. As a team, Houston had five home runs, 20 hits and scored 10 runs in the sixth.

Los Angeles will have a chance to quickly bounce back, as game two takes place Saturday night and airs live on FOX in primetime. 

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Dana Becker

Dana Becker is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has been a sports writer since 2000, covering high school sports, the Big 12 and more for On SI, The Fort Dodge Messenger, Mason City Globe-Gazette, Cedar Rapids Gazette and others.