Dustin May Dominates in Seven-Inning Gem Against White Sox

Dustin May delivered one of the most dominant performances of his career as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox. May, making his 16th start of the season, pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight batters. The outing marked only the second time in his career that May has completed seven innings in a start—a clear signal that the right-hander is finding both form and confidence as the season progresses.

A Perfect Start: Nine Up, Nine Down

Dustin May striking out the side against the Red Sox last week. pic.twitter.com/uEYEQBU4Yn

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) July 31, 2025

From the very first pitch, Dustin May looked locked in. He struck out the side in the first inning with a mix of high-velocity four-seam fastballs and well-placed breaking pitches. May’s rhythm was undeniable. Within three innings, he had retired all nine batters on just 27 pitches, including multiple strikeouts that showcased his electric stuff.

His command was razor sharp. May threw only five balls in his first 27 pitches, underscoring his elite efficiency and zone control. The velocity consistently touched 98-99 mph, and his ability to change eye levels kept Chicago’s batters guessing and off-balance throughout the night.

Showcasing Growth and Composure

LEFT: Dustin May

RIGHT: Richard Fitts

Oooooof. pic.twitter.com/v2QGEt0dPd

— Bastards of Boston Baseball (@Bastards_Boston) August 1, 2025

What made this outing so remarkable was not just the raw talent May displayed, but the maturity and poise with which he pitched. In previous starts, May occasionally struggled with pitch count and control early in games. In fact, during his last outing, he needed 30 pitches just to get through the first inning. Against the White Sox, it took him that many pitches to breeze through three full innings.

By the fifth inning, May was still perfect, having retired all 15 batters he faced. His zone percentage hovered near 70%, a clear sign of his aggressive approach and confidence in his arsenal. May’s ability to mix his devastating breaking ball with his fastball created a lethal one-two punch that Chicago could not solve.

First Blemish, Strong Response

Dustin May’s perfect game bid ended in the sixth inning with a soft ground ball single from Brooks Baldwin—Chicago’s first baserunner of the game. The Dodgers’ home crowd at Chavez Ravine gave May a respectful ovation, acknowledging his dominance to that point. But if there were any doubts about how May would respond to adversity, they were quickly put to rest.

With runners in scoring position following a rare Dodgers fielding error, May buckled down, unleashing a blistering fastball to end the inning with a clutch strikeout. He finished the frame without surrendering a run, showing his continued growth under pressure.

May’s Mechanics: A Key to Consistency

Two-time World Series champion, Dustin May. Thank you for being a part of two championships and bringing the energy every time you took the mound. Best of luck in Boston! pic.twitter.com/rQVxRr4amu

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 31, 2025

One of the subtle changes contributing to May’s success has been a slight mechanical adjustment in his delivery, particularly when pitching from the stretch. Compared to his full wind-up, May uses a tighter, more compact leg kick when runners are on base. This tweak appears to improve his balance and timing, leading to better pitch location and reduced stress on his arm.

This new approach seems to be paying off, as May has now gone deeper into games more consistently without sacrificing effectiveness. His swing-and-miss rate remains high, and his efficiency continues to climb—two critical indicators of a pitcher coming into his own.

Looking Ahead: Dustin May’s Role in the Dodgers’ Rotation

For the Dodgers, Dustin May emergence as a reliable starter is a huge development. With playoff aspirations on the horizon, the team needs consistency and depth from its rotation. May’s ability to command the zone, pitch deep into games, and keep hitters off-balance makes him an invaluable asset moving forward.

If he can stay healthy and continue to refine his mechanics, May has the tools to become one of the elite starting pitchers in the National League. His most recent performance only adds weight to that projection.

Conclusion:
Dustin May has long been considered one of the Dodgers’ most talented arms, and his performance against the White Sox was a resounding reminder of why. With electric stuff, improved efficiency, and a maturing presence on the mound, May is proving he can be a frontline starter in MLB. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on him to maintain this level and continue evolving into a dominant force.