Dodgers' Freddie Freeman finds power to help down Blue Jays after early exit by Max Scherzer

Los Angeles first baseman thrives after Toronto's starting pitcher suffers injury in second inning

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the key moments of a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes representing the players and action on the field, without any identifiable faces or logos.A cubist interpretation of Freddie Freeman's power surge after Max Scherzer's early exit, capturing the dynamic energy of the Dodgers' offensive outburst.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has historically struggled against Toronto Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer, found success at the plate after Scherzer was forced to exit the game early due to injury. Freeman went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs as the Dodgers routed the Blue Jays 14-2.

Why it matters

Freeman's struggles against Scherzer have been well-documented, as the Dodgers star has a career .208 batting average and 16 strikeouts in 63 plate appearances against the former Cy Young winner. The early exit by Scherzer due to injury allowed Freeman to thrive against the Toronto bullpen and contribute to the Dodgers' offensive outburst.

The details

Scherzer struck out Freeman in his first at-bat, but was then removed from the game in the second inning due to forearm tendinitis. With Scherzer out, Freeman hit a 438-foot home run off reliever Josh Fleming in the third inning to extend the Dodgers' lead. He later added a run-scoring double off Tommy Nance in the seventh inning, finishing the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

  • Scherzer struck out Freeman in the first inning.
  • Scherzer was removed from the game in the second inning due to forearm tendinitis.
  • Freeman hit a 438-foot home run off reliever Josh Fleming in the third inning.
  • Freeman added a run-scoring double off Tommy Nance in the seventh inning.

The players

Freddie Freeman

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman who has historically struggled against Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer, but thrived at the plate after Scherzer's early exit due to injury.

Max Scherzer

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher who was forced to exit the game in the second inning due to forearm tendinitis, allowing Freddie Freeman to find success against the Toronto bullpen.

Teoscar Hernandez

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder who hit a two-run home run in the second inning to help propel the Dodgers to a 14-2 victory over the Blue Jays.

Josh Fleming

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher who replaced Scherzer in the second inning and immediately yielded a home run to Freddie Freeman.

Tommy Nance

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher who gave up a run-scoring double to Freddie Freeman in the seventh inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I know he'll tell me he's still got me in homers. But yeah, Chipper has meant a lot to me.”

— Freddie Freeman

The takeaway

This game highlighted Freddie Freeman's long-standing struggles against Max Scherzer, but also showcased his ability to thrive when Scherzer was forced to exit the game early due to injury. Freeman's home run and double helped power the Dodgers' offensive outburst, demonstrating his value to the team even when facing one of the game's elite pitchers.