Dodgers Defeat Astros 8-3 as Kyle Tucker Homers Against Former Team

On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Houston Astros 8–3 at Daikin Park. Kyle Tucker’s two-run homer in the third inning pushed the lead to 7–2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw six innings, allowing five hits, three runs and recording eight strikeouts for his first win. Alex Freeland homered and recorded three hits. The Astros’ only run came from Zach Cole’s solo homer in the fifth.

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The Dodgers entered the series 21-13 but had been averaging just 2.33 runs per game in their two previous outings. Their lineup featured a power-heavy core anchored by Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the newly acquired Kyle Tucker. The Astros, 14-21, were contending with the league’s worst bullpen, posting a collective ERA of 6.20. Houston began the series with an opener, left-hander Steven Okert pitching the first inning before rookie right-hander Ryan Weiss assumed long relief. The Dodgers had just snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4–1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, but their offense remained anemic.

Dodgers Look to Break Out of Slump vs Astros: Lineup

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) – 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 8 K; season ERA 2.87, WHIP 1.01.

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• Kyle Tucker (Dodgers) – 2-run homer, 2 RBI.

ESPN

• Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) – walked, later scored on a Will Smith double.

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• Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) – two RBI singles.

Dodgers Look to Break Out of Slump vs Astros: Lineup

• Alex Freeland (Dodgers) – home run, three hits.

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• Ryan Weiss (Astros) – 4 1/3 IP, 8 H, 7 R (6 ER), loss.

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Final score: Dodgers 8, Astros 3. Run distribution: Dodgers 1-2-4-0-1; Astros 0-0-0-0-1. Hits: Yamamoto allowed five hits, while Weiss surrendered eight hits. Errors: 0–1 (Cam Smith). Pitching: Yamamoto 6 IP, 8 K; Weiss 4 1/3 IP, 6 ER. Team records: Dodgers 21-13, Astros 14-21. Astros bullpen ERA 6.20 (MLB worst). Dodgers’ recent offensive average 2.33 runs per game. The Dodgers recorded three extra-base hits, while the Astros managed one.

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Analysts noted the Astros’ bullpen, with a 6.20 ERA, has been a liability, contributing to recent multi-run losses. The Dodgers, despite power hitters, had not hit a home run in their two previous series, prompting concerns about offensive consistency.

Dodgers Look to Break Out of Slump vs Astros: Lineup

Sources differ on Yamamoto’s win–loss record: one lists him at 3-2, another at 2-2. Both agree on his 2.87 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. No official clarification has been provided.

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Dodgers Nation reported that manager Dave Roberts set the lineup to emphasize power and to let Yamamoto “redeem himself” after an April 22 rough outing. The Astros’ front office explained the opener strategy was meant to shield the high-ERA bullpen while assessing long-relief options. Roberts also emphasized the need to stay atop the NL West as the division race tightens.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto edged Paul Skenes in telling stat despite fewer games

The series resumes Tuesday with the Dodgers again starting Yamamoto against Astros opener Steven Okert. Both teams aim to improve their positions: the Dodgers to protect their NL West lead, the Astros to steady a struggling bullpen.

Dodgers Look to Break Out of Slump vs Astros: Lineup