### Dodgers' Stellar Start: Dustin May's Emotional Return Fuels Unbeaten Streak - The Los Angeles Dodgers have kicked off their 2025 season with an impressive 7-0 record, tying the 1933 Yankees for the best start by a reigning World Series champion. This remarkable achievement has been bolstered by the return of pitcher Dustin May, who made his first major league start in 22 months after recovering from significant injuries. In a home game against the Atlanta Braves, May's performance was pivotal, allowing only one hit and an unearned run over five innings, showcasing his resilience and skill on the mound [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/44500715/dustin-returns-more-22-months-dodgers-improve-7-0-win-vs-braves]. ### Breakdown of the Dodgers' Victory and May's Performance 1. **Dustin May's Return**: - May pitched five strong innings, marking his first appearance since his injury hiatus. His performance was characterized by poise and control, allowing just one hit and one unearned run [https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-04-01/dodgers-braves-dustin-may-returns]. 2. **Key Offensive Contributions**: - Mookie Betts hit a crucial two-run homer in the sixth inning, which helped the Dodgers secure a 3-1 victory over the Braves. This was Betts' third go-ahead homer of the season, underscoring his importance to the team's offensive strategy [https://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/dodgers-improve-to-7-0-behind-dustin-may-after-beating-winless-braves-3-1/K3O3A26MKNGYBB75ZVWDEYBSVU]. 3. **Team Performance**: - The Dodgers' win against the Braves not only extended their unbeaten streak but also highlighted their strong start to the season, with a perfect record that has not been seen since the early 1930s [https://www.si.com/onsi/fantasy/mlb/dustin-may-dominates-emotional-return-after-22-month-absence]. ### Supporting Evidence of May's Impact and Team Success - **Dustin May's Statistics**: - Innings Pitched: 5 - Hits Allowed: 1 - Earned Runs: 0 - Strikeouts: 4 (implied from performance context) [https://apnews.com/article/dustin-may-returns-los-angeles-dodgers-f2c3d4dbc7e8a8c1441ef54d04482936]. - **Team Record**: - Current Season Record: 7-0 - Historical Context: Tied for the best start by a reigning World Series champion [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/44500715/dustin-returns-more-22-months-dodgers-improve-7-0-win-vs-braves]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead for the Dodgers - **Key Takeaways**: 1. **Dustin May's successful return** has reinvigorated the Dodgers' pitching lineup, demonstrating his readiness to compete at the highest level after a long absence. 2. **Mookie Betts' offensive prowess** continues to be a driving force for the team, contributing significantly to their victories. 3. **The Dodgers' unbeaten streak** sets a high bar for the rest of the season, with historical implications for their performance as reigning champions. The combination of May's return and the team's overall performance suggests a promising trajectory for the Dodgers as they aim to maintain their winning momentum throughout the season [https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-04-01/dodgers-braves-dustin-may-returns].