LOS ANGELES, CA – July 4, 2025 – The Houston Astros celebrated Independence Day with a fireworks display of their own at Dodger Stadium, exploding for 18 runs on 20 hits to rout the Los Angeles Dodgers 18-1 in the opener of their highly anticipated three-game series. It was a stunning offensive performance, marking the worst home loss in Dodger Stadium history.
Lance McCullers Jr. (2-3) earned the win for the Astros, delivering a strong outing in his second start back from the injured list, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings while striking out four. Dodgers rookie starter Ben Casparius (6-3) was shelled for six runs on nine hits in just three innings, taking the devastating loss.
The Astros wasted no time, with Isaac Paredes hitting a leadoff solo home run on the very first pitch of the game. Christian Walker added an RBI single later in the first, giving Houston an early 2-0 lead.
The Dodgers managed to get one run back in the second on a solo homer from Will Smith off McCullers Jr., but that was their only bright spot.
Houston broke the game wide open in the third. Jose Altuve launched a two-run homer, followed by a two-run shot from Christian Walker, extending the lead to 6-1. The Astros then poured it on with a massive 10-run sixth inning, highlighted by Victor Caratini’s grand slam and Altuve’s second home run of the game, a three-run blast. The relentless barrage saw Houston score more runs in one inning (10) than the Dodgers had allowed in a single inning since April 1999.
Altuve finished the night 3-for-3 with two home runs, a double, four runs scored, and five RBIs, reaching base five times overall. Christian Walker also had a monster night with four hits and four RBIs, including a homer. The entire Astros lineup contributed to the offensive explosion, collecting doubles from Altuve, Jake Meyers, Cam Smith, and Yainer Diaz, and two more from Caratini.
The Astros handed the defending World Series champion Dodgers their most lopsided home defeat ever, sending a clear message to their National League counterparts.
With this dominant victory, the Houston Astros improved their season record to 53 wins and 35 losses (53-35). They will look to continue their offensive onslaught against the Dodgers tomorrow.