Dodgers lose bullpen game to Red Sox 9-4 in series opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a 9-4 defeat against the Boston Red Sox on July 31, 2026, in the first game of their series. The Dodgers, relying on a bullpen game, initially led 4-3 through five innings before a disastrous seventh inning saw the Red Sox score five runs off Cole Irvin. Irvin pitched a total of six innings, but struggles in his second time through the batting order allowed Boston to take control. Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman contributed to the Dodgers' offense, with Freeman going 3-for-4 and Ohtani adding two RBIs, but it was not enough to secure a win. The teams prepare for the second game of the series at 6:10 p.m. PST on August 1.

• 5:15 AMYahoo Sports — Dodgers Drop Bullpen Game in Rough Fashion vs. Streaking Red Sox