Astros Rout Dodgers 18-1 for Worst Loss in Dodger Stadium History

The Houston Astros opened their Independence Day weekend series by routing the Los Angeles Dodgers 18–1 on Friday night, delivering the most lopsided defeat the Dodgers have suffered in Dodger Stadium’s 63-year history.

Jose Altuve powered the visitors with two home runs, a double and five RBIs while reaching base five times. Christian Walker went 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, and Victor Caratini’s grand slam capped a 10-run sixth inning that turned a 7–1 lead into a runaway. Houston finished with 20 hits.

Dodgers rookie Ben Casparius allowed six runs in three innings, and reliever Noah Davis was charged with 10 more in 1⅓ frames. The loss dropped the defending champions to 56-33, while the Astros, winners of 27 of their last 37 games, improved to 53-25 to stay atop the American League West.

The 17-run margin eclipsed the Dodgers’ previous worst at home and marked their biggest home defeat since Brooklyn’s 19-2 loss to the New York Giants in 1947. During the telecast, former Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser referenced Houston’s 2017 sign-stealing scandal, saying the Astros appeared to be swinging “like they know what is coming.” Manager Dave Roberts summed up the night as “one you want to flush as soon as possible.”