Full Breakdown
Dodgers Secure Walk-Off Victory Over Orioles Amid Injuries and Paternity Leave
6/20/2026, 12:30:38 PM
Game-Winning Play and Final Score
In the series opener on June 20, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Baltimore Orioles 6–5 in nine innings. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and runners on first and second, Dalton Rushing delivered a single that drove Ryan Ward home after a throwing error by right fielder Tyler O’Neill glanced off catcher Samuel Basillo’s glove. The misplay allowed the winning run to streak home, completing the comeback after the Dodgers had trailed 5–4 following a Mookie Betts solo homer earlier in the inning.
Series Context and Team Records
The game opened a three-game road series in Baltimore. The victory marked the Dodgers’ fourth straight win, improving their record to 49-27 and keeping them atop the National League West. The Orioles entered the game at 35-41, having lost five of their previous six contests.
Player Availability: Smith’s Neck Injury and Ohtani’s Paternity Leave
Catcher Will Smith remains on the injured list with a neck injury. Manager Dave Roberts said Smith “had a scan and was going to have an injection ‘to kind of minimize the sensation.’” Roberts added that Smith “feels OK, not great” and may not travel with the team on its Minnesota road trip beginning Monday.
Shohei Ohtani was absent from the lineup, listed as “away from the team on paternity.” The Dodgers announced on X that Ohtani was not placed on MLB’s official paternity list but is expected to return “at some point this weekend.” Roberts expressed hope that Ohtani would be back Saturday while noting that the team learned “very recently” of the new birth.
Key Performances and Statistics
- Roki Sasaki (Dodgers starter) pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits with six strikeouts.
- Blake Treinen closed the game with a perfect ninth, striking out two.
- Mookie Betts contributed a solo homer that cut the Orioles’ lead to one.
- Ryan Ward scored the decisive run on the ninth-inning error.
- The Dodgers’ bullpen (Jack Dreyer, Will Klein) combined for 1 2/3 innings and yielded two earned runs.
- The Orioles’ offense featured back-to-back homers by Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso in the sixth inning.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized caution regarding Smith’s recovery, stating the team is “just trying to make sure that we don’t have a setback when he comes back.” Regarding Ohtani, Roberts said the club “hopes Ohtani returns Saturday” and is “keeping his privacy.” The organization’s X post confirmed Ohtani’s paternity leave and noted his anticipated weekend return, while also clarifying that he was not placed on the formal paternity list.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the procedural handling of Ohtani’s leave: the team’s X announcement omits a paternity-list designation, whereas MLB rules typically require placement on the list for a leave of 1–3 days. Additionally, while Roberts indicated Smith “might not travel” to Minnesota, no definitive roster move has been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He feels OK, not great,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “We're just trying to make sure that we don't have a setback when he comes back.” — Dave Roberts
- “Keeping his privacy,” — Dave Roberts
- “Source: Shohei Ohtani is going on paternity leave.” — Los Angeles Dodgers (official X account)
- “He is expected to be back at some point this weekend.” — Los Angeles Dodgers (official X account)
Why It Matters
The walk-off win preserves the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West and extends their winning streak, reinforcing their postseason positioning. Continued absences of Smith and Ohtani could affect lineup flexibility and depth, especially as the team navigates a demanding road stretch.
What’s Next
The Dodgers will host the Orioles for two additional games on June 21 and 22. Manager Roberts indicated that both Smith and Ohtani are expected to rejoin the roster later in the series, pending medical clearance and personal circumstances.
