Mookie Betts’ walk-off homer in 10th keeps Dodgers undefeated: ‘We just don’t quit’

Dodgers Start 2025 Season Strong with Dramatic Walk-Off Win by Mookie Betts

The Los Angeles Dodgers are proving that their 2024 World Series victory was no stroke of luck. Just five months after securing their latest championship, the Dodgers have kicked off the 2025 season in dominant fashion, setting the stage for what could be another historic run. On Friday night at Dodger Stadium, Mookie Betts delivered a Hollywood-style ending, smashing a three-run walk-off homer in the 10th inning to secure an 8-5 comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers. The win extended the Dodgers’ undefeated streak to four games, reinforcing their status as early favorites for another title.

An Emotional Start to the Season

Friday’s dramatic win capped off an emotional opening homestand for the Dodgers. The celebration began on Thursday with a banner-raising ceremony, followed by a pregame championship ring presentation on Friday. The team received their 14-karat gold rings, encrusted with 300 diamonds, in a ceremony honoring their resilience and triumph in the 2024 season.

The Dodgers’ strong start hints at their ambition to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.

A Resilient Comeback Led by Betts

The victory didn’t come easily. The Dodgers struggled early against Tigers’ starter Jack Flaherty, failing to generate any offensive momentum. Freddie Freeman finally put the Dodgers on the scoreboard with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, but the Tigers quickly answered back, putting pressure on the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Tanner Scott, one of the Dodgers’ key offseason acquisitions, faltered in the ninth inning, allowing Dillon Dingler to hit a two-run triple in the top of the 10th — putting the Tigers ahead 5-3 and threatening the Dodgers’ perfect start.

But as manager Dave Roberts put it: “We don’t quit.”

Michael Conforto opened the bottom of the 10th with a leadoff double, driving in the automatic runner and cutting the deficit to one. Will Smith followed with a clutch RBI single to tie the game at 5-5. Shohei Ohtani, playing his first home game at Dodger Stadium since signing a record-breaking contract, kept the rally alive with a single to right field.

That set the stage for Betts’ heroics. Down 0-2 in the count, Betts battled through a tough at-bat before launching a 97-mph rocket into the left-field pavilion. As Betts rounded the bases, the crowd at Dodger Stadium erupted in celebration.

“You couldn’t write a better script,” Roberts said after the game. “This win means a lot, especially after everything we’ve gone through over the last 10 days.”

Betts Overcomes Health Struggles to Deliver Clutch Moment

Betts’ walk-off heroics were even more impressive considering the health challenges he faced leading up to the game. The 32-year-old missed most of the Dodgers’ opening series in Japan due to a severe stomach virus that caused him to lose over 15 pounds.

“There were nights when I was crying because I felt so sick,” Betts admitted. “My wife was there holding me through it all. That’s where all the emotion comes from.”

Despite feeling far from 100%, Betts stepped up when it mattered most, proving once again why he’s one of the most clutch performers in the game.

Championship Mindset: ‘Picking Up Where We Left Off’

The Dodgers’ 4-0 start is their best since 1981 — the year they won the World Series behind the dominance of Fernando Valenzuela. Max Muncy believes the team’s early success reflects their championship mindset.

“It feels like we’re just picking up where we left off last year,” Muncy said. “This team still has that fight.”

Despite key roster changes during the offseason, the team’s core chemistry remains intact.

“You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have that bond in the clubhouse, it’s not going to work,” Muncy added.

Roberts echoed that sentiment:

“It’s a hallmark of this team — we don’t give up.”

Shohei Ohtani Already Making an Impact

Shohei Ohtani is already proving to be a game-changer for the Dodgers. The two-way superstar, who signed a record $700 million contract in the offseason, went 3-for-5 with a home run and two singles in Friday’s game, fueling the Dodgers’ comeback.

Ohtani’s presence in the lineup adds another layer of difficulty for opposing pitchers, who now have to face a lineup featuring Betts, Freeman, Ohtani, and Muncy in succession.

“When you have guys like Shohei and Mookie in the lineup, it gives everyone confidence,” Roberts said. “It’s hard to pitch around this lineup when you have that kind of depth.”

Betts’ Walk-Off Reinforces Dodgers’ Status as Early Favorites

Betts’ walk-off homer wasn’t just a dramatic moment — it underscored the Dodgers’ dominance and their potential to make history this season. Their 4-0 start has already sparked speculation about whether this team could challenge the all-time single-season wins record of 116, held by the 1906 Chicago Cubs and the 2001 Seattle Mariners.

Betts, who is chasing his fourth career World Series ring, remains focused on the bigger picture.

“It’s a great thing to be a Dodger,” catcher Austin Barnes said. “A lot of cool things happen here — playing big games, going to Tokyo, winning rings. But we’ve got to keep going.”

As Betts crossed home plate and his teammates mobbed him in celebration, the message was clear: The Dodgers are still the kings of baseball — and they’re not ready to give up their crown.