Los Angeles Police Department detectives are looking for two Dodger fans in their 20s believed responsible for the brutal attack after the game.

"It is extremely unfortunate that this incident took place on what was otherwise a great day at Dodger Stadium for tens of thousands of fans. We're committed to having the most fan-and-family-friendly environment in baseball and will continue to make that a top priority," said Josh Rawitch, the Dodgers vice president of communications. "We are cooperating fully with authorities during their investigation, and we wish this fan a speedy recovery."

A Dodgers spokesman said the team is taking the incident seriously.

Although the number of arrests in and around Dodger Stadium on Thursday night declined compared with the rowdy 2010 season debut, the assault left the 41-year-old fan hospitalized, with his condition improving to serious Friday, police said.

Los Angeles police are searching for two men suspected of severely beating a San Francisco Giants fan after the Dodgers' home opener in the stadium parking lot.

"The man suffered a serious head injury during the assault after the game," said LAPD Sgt. Sanford Rosenberg, watch commander at the Northeast Division station.

He said the victim was one of three Giants fans attacked in the parking lot by two unidentified men wearing Dodgers clothing. The unprovoked attack occurred about 8:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 2 when the two men approached three victims wearing Giants apparel.

The two men attacked the trio, kicking and punching them and shouting expletives about the Giants as they delivered the blows, Rosenberg said.

The incident was witnessed by several fans in the area, he said. The assailants then fled as people tried to assist the injured man, Rosenberg said.

Police said the incident was captured on a security video camera, and witnesses have provided details about the assailants, including a distinctive tattoo.

Because Dodgers opening day is known for its heavy drinking and rowdy crowds, the LAPD was out in full force at and before the game to try to avoid a repeat of unruly behavior of past years.

"It was much quieter this year than previous years," said Capt. Dave Lindsay.

Opening day this year saw 72 people arrested, he said. Most of those arrests were related to intoxication or illegal consumption of alcohol, Lindsay said.

Many of those arrests were done by cite and release with a court date, he said. In addition to those arrests, 48 citations were issued for various offenses, including traffic infractions.

But the number of overall arrests was markedly down from last year’s opening day, when 132 arrests were made, police said.

RELATED:

2 men sought in Dodger Stadium beating of Giants fan

Giants fan seriously beaten, 25 people arrested at Dodgers home opener

Photos: Scenes from the Dodgers' home opener

-- Richard Winton