Dodgers Reach 7-0, Matching 1933 Yankees for Best-Ever Start for Defending World Series Champions
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season unfolded, the Los Angeles Dodgers were on a mission. Having capped off a historic 2024 season with a World Series victory, they were not content with simply resting on their laurels. No, this Dodgers team had its eyes set firmly on the future. And that future was off to an incredible start.
With each passing game, the Dodgers were defying expectations, crushing their competition, and making history. By the time they reached the 7-0 mark in the season, they had matched the all-time record for the best start by a defending World Series champion, tying the 1933 New York Yankees’ record. To say that this was a remarkable achievement would be an understatement. It was a testament to the resilience of a team that had proven itself in the postseason the year before and was now looking to cement its place in the annals of baseball history.
But this wasn’t just a statistical milestone. It was a statement—a declaration that the Dodgers were not simply defending their championship title, but were committed to making 2025 even more memorable. From the leadership of manager Dave Roberts to the star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, this was a team that was firing on all cylinders, one that seemed unbeatable early in the season. The perfect blend of youth and experience, power and precision, passion and poise, the Dodgers were living up to their reputation as one of the premier franchises in the league.
A Team Built for Greatness
The Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory wasn’t just a fluke; it was the culmination of years of hard work, smart roster moves, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The franchise had built a powerhouse team, carefully selecting players who would not only perform but thrive under the spotlight of postseason pressure. And the results spoke for themselves.
Mookie Betts, the dynamic leadoff hitter and perennial MVP candidate, had become the face of the franchise. He was the sparkplug, the player who could change the course of a game in an instant, whether by hitting for average, power, or by playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. Freddie Freeman, one of the most consistent and reliable hitters in the game, was the heart of the lineup. His calm demeanor and clutch performances under pressure had been a key factor in the Dodgers’ success, especially during the postseason. And then there was the pitching staff, headlined by the ageless Clayton Kershaw, who had defied Father Time with a resurgence that made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the game again.
But what made this Dodgers team special wasn’t just its individual stars. It was the depth of the roster, the ability of players up and down the lineup to contribute in meaningful ways. Whether it was Will Smith’s powerful bat behind the plate, the speed of Chris Taylor, or the fiery stuff of young ace Dustin May, this team had all the tools to not only contend but to dominate.
Manager Dave Roberts, who had overseen the team’s successes in recent years, had found a way to balance the veterans with the younger players, creating a chemistry that was palpable. He understood the importance of staying focused on the big picture while making sure his players stayed grounded and hungry for more. The combination of leadership, talent, and experience made the Dodgers an incredibly dangerous team heading into 2025.
But it was not just the returning stars who made the Dodgers so formidable; the team had bolstered its roster during the offseason, adding key pieces to further strengthen its already stacked lineup. The result was a team that seemed destined to make another run at the title.
The Perfect Start: 7-0 and Counting
From the very first pitch of the 2025 season, the Dodgers sent a clear message: they were here to win. They had already proven their worth as champions, but now they were going to show that they weren’t content with being just one-and-done. This was a team on a mission, and they weren’t going to let anyone stand in their way.
Their opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks was a display of dominance. In the first game of the season, Clayton Kershaw took the mound with his usual poise and precision, leading the Dodgers to a 5-2 victory. The offense, meanwhile, was explosive, with Mookie Betts driving in a pair of runs and Freddie Freeman providing the necessary power. The bullpen, too, was lights out, with Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips locking down the game in the late innings. It was the perfect way to start a new season—on the road, facing a division rival, and showing the world that the Dodgers were ready to pick up right where they left off.
The following games were no different. Each game seemed to get better and better. In the second game of the series, Dustin May made his long-awaited return to the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he was nothing short of spectacular. May threw six shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing just two hits. The Dodgers won 4-0, and the crowd at Dodger Stadium could already sense that this was no ordinary team.
Over the next few weeks, the Dodgers continued their winning ways, sweeping the Diamondbacks and then going on to take series from the Padres, Rockies, and Giants. Every game, every series, was a statement of their dominance. And it wasn’t just the offense or the pitching staff that was clicking. The defense was airtight, with Mookie Betts continuing his excellence in right field and the infield, led by Freeman and Gavin Lux, turning double plays with ease. The Dodgers were playing a brand of baseball that was almost flawless—everything was clicking, and the results were undeniable.
By the time they reached the 7-0 mark, they had made history, joining the 1933 Yankees as the only two teams to start a season with such an impressive record as defending champions. The Yankees of 1933, led by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and manager Joe McCarthy, were one of the most dominant teams ever assembled, and their start to the season was just one example of their greatness. The Dodgers, by matching that mark, were entering the conversation as one of the greatest teams of the modern era.
But this team wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the feel. The energy around the Dodgers was palpable. Fans were excited to see what would come next, and players were embracing the opportunity to play with a target on their backs. The pressure of defending a title can weigh heavily on any team, but the Dodgers seemed to thrive under it. They had the mindset of a championship contender—hungry, confident, and relentless.
Key Contributions: What Set the Dodgers Apart
While the Dodgers’ overall success was the result of a complete team effort, several players had particularly standout performances during the team’s perfect start.
Mookie Betts was once again at the forefront of the Dodgers’ offense. The 2024 World Series MVP continued his all-around brilliance, leading the team in hits, home runs, and RBIs. His ability to get on base, drive in runs, and play stellar defense in right field made him one of the most valuable players in baseball. Betts’ approach at the plate, combined with his unrelenting work ethic, made him the perfect leader for a team looking to defend its title.
Freddie Freeman continued his role as the steadying presence in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup. Known for his elite hitting and leadership, Freeman’s ability to get on base, hit for power, and drive in runs was crucial to the team’s early success. Freeman was consistently clutch, with several of his key hits coming in the late innings of tight games.
Clayton Kershaw, even in the twilight of his career, showed that he was still one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. His start to the 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, with a 2.12 ERA through his first three starts. Kershaw’s ability to control games and set the tone for the rest of the staff was a major reason why the Dodgers had been so successful.
Dustin May, in his first full season since returning from Tommy John surgery, was throwing with the same velocity that made him one of the most promising young pitchers in baseball before his injury. May’s powerful fastball and devastating slider had been key in the Dodgers’ ability to dominate their opponents early in the season. His return to form was a game-changer for the Dodgers, adding another weapon to their already impressive pitching staff.
Will Smith, the Dodgers’ catcher, had emerged as one of the best all-around players at his position. With his ability to hit for power, get on base, and call a great game behind the plate, Smith was a key contributor to the Dodgers’ success.
But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the Dodgers’ 7-0 start was how well the team was functioning as a unit. There was a sense of cohesion, of togetherness, that was evident both on and off the field. The Dodgers were playing with a shared purpose: to prove that their championship run was no fluke, and to make sure that they would be remembered as one of the greatest teams of all time.
Looking Ahead: What the 2025 Season Holds for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers reached their 7-0 record, matching the legendary 1933 Yankees, the question on everyone’s mind was: could they keep it up? Could they continue this incredible momentum throughout the season and, perhaps, even add another championship to their collection?
For the Dodgers, the key to their success was not just the hot start but the consistency and depth they had across the roster. It was one thing to come out of the gates strong, but it was another thing entirely to sustain that level of play over the course of a 162-game season.
Manager Dave Roberts knew that the true test would come later in the year, when the grind of a full season would test the Dodgers’ mettle. Injuries would inevitably play a role, and the team’s ability to adapt and continue to perform at a high level would be critical.
But for now, the Dodgers had the wind at their backs, riding a historic start to a season that had the potential to be as special as any in franchise history. Matching the 1933 Yankees was no small feat, and the Dodgers were proving that they were more than just a one-hit wonder. With a championship pedigree, a talented roster, and an insatiable hunger for success, the Dodgers were primed for greatness.
And as the 2025 season continued, the sky seemed to be the limit.
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