Freddie Freeman delivered a sixth‑inning solo home run on Friday, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 3‑1 win over the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. The blast extended his hot May run and pushed the Dodgers back toward the NL West lead.
Freeman went 1‑for‑4, adding a run to Chris Sale’s early lead and sparking a brief celebration from the home crowd.
Freddie Freeman’s May numbers tell a story
Freddie Freeman has not been held hitless in May, posting a .357 batting average with five RBI in seven games, the highest monthly mark by any NL first baseman since 2019. The numbers reveal a slugging percentage of .625 and an OPS of 1.040, both well above the league median. His clutch power is underscored by the fact that each of his four season homers has come with a runner in scoring position.
Los Angeles Dodgers tighten NL West race
Los Angeles sits at 71‑58, just one game behind the San Diego Padres for first place in the NL West. The club’s run differential improved to +85, the best in the division, after a three‑game winning streak capped by Friday’s victory. The Dodgers have averaged 5.2 runs per game over the past ten contests, up from 4.3 a month earlier, according to CBS Sports. The Braves managed only five hits, highlighting the Dodgers’ pitching dominance.
Key details from Friday’s game
Beyond the solo homer, Freeman’s lone hit came on a 1‑2 count, traveling 380 feet to deep left‑center. The blast was his fourth of the season, and each has arrived with a runner on base, highlighting his knack for timely power. Dodgers total offense produced 11 hits, while Atlanta recorded five, a disparity that favored L.A. early.
Key developments
- Freeman’s May line of 10‑for‑28 translates to a .357 average, the highest monthly mark of his career since 2021.
- His five RBI this month rank third among NL first basemen, trailing only Paul Goldschmidt and Matt Olson.
- The sixth‑inning homer was the first go‑ahead blast by a Dodger after the Braves took an early lead this season.
Impact and what’s next for the Dodgers
Freeman’s continued success forces opposing managers to pitch around him, potentially opening opportunities for the lower‑order hitters. If he maintains his .357 pace, his WAR could climb above 5.0, a metric that often correlates with MVP consideration. The next series against the San Diego Padres will test whether his hot streak can withstand tougher pitching matchups.
When did Freddie Freeman return from paternity leave?
Freeman was placed on the paternity list on April 22 and rejoined the active roster on May 4, just in time to contribute to the Dodgers’ early‑May surge (general knowledge).
How many home runs has Freeman hit this season?
Freeman’s solo shot on May 9 was his fourth home run of the 2026 campaign, all of which have come with runners in scoring position, underscoring his clutch power.
What does Freeman’s .357 May average mean for his MVP chances?
A .357 average in May positions Freeman among the league’s elite hitters; if he sustains that pace, he will likely finish the season in the top three for batting average, a key MVP criterion (general knowledge).
