The Kansas City Royals split their series with the Dodgers to 1-1 after securing a 7-2 victory on Saturday.
During the matchup, the Dodgers hosted their Black Heritage Night. Before the start of the game, a yard show was held at Centerfield Plaza. Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities Inc. along with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities Inc. performed at the yard show.
The Dodgers hosted a Divine 9 yard show during their Black Heritage Night pic.twitter.com/1gVtBrJJsC
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) June 16, 2024
The Dodgers recognized the efforts and legacy of The Brotherhood Crusade prior to the game. Destination Crenshaw president Jason Foster threw out the ceremonial first pitch and saxophonist Mike Phillips performed the National Anthem.
After the game, legendary DJ D-Nice performed a 30-minute set for fans. The Black Heritage Night also had a special ticket package where fans could get an exclusive black and blue jersey.
Related Stories
Paralympian Jamal Hill Helps Recruit L.A. County Lifeguards
Student Athlete of the Week: Sherilynne Chensam
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto only pitched two innings before leaving the game with triceps tightness. General manager Dave Roberts noted how he did not know the severity of his injury until the second inning.
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has left their game against the Royals due to triceps tightness. He struck out one batter and allowed one hit in the two innings he pitched
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) June 16, 2024
“We wouldn’t pitch him if we felt he was gonna put himself in harm’s way,” Roberts said. “After that second inning, [Yamamoto] felt that he could go out there but it just wasn’t coming out.”
Yamamoto noted that he was experiencing soreness during pregame warmups. He will be examined on Sunday by team doctors.
“I was feeling it a couple days ago and then today … the tightness was gone,” Yamamoto said via a translator. “I was going up and during the game … my triceps was starting to tighten up so I let the coaches know.”
The Dodgers fall to the Royals 7-2. To end Black Heritage Night, DJ D-Nice performed on the field after the game pic.twitter.com/QZIVPXsnol
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) June 16, 2024
In the wake of Yamamoto leaving the game early, the Dodgers utilized five other pitchers in the matchup.
The Royals got on the scoreboard first after second baseman Nick Loftin made a sacrifice RBI in the fourth inning. The Dodgers responded at the bottom of the fourth when second-baseman Gavin Lux sent two batters home with a single.
In the sixth inning, Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen allowed three consecutive walks. With the bases loaded, left fielder MJ Melendez hit a grand slam, giving the Royals a 5-2 lead.
The Royals added on to their score in the top of the seventh. Shortstop Bobby Witt jr. hit an RBI single, allowing centerfielder Garrett Hampson to run in after he hit a triple. Two batters later, designated hitter Nelson Velázquez hit a sacrifice fly for third baseman Maikel Garcia to score.
Royals pitcher Seth Lugo won the game, striking out four Dodgers in six innings.
The Dodgers will finish their three-game series with the Royals on Sunday at 1:10pm.
