Shohei Ohtani Secures First Win with Dodgers, Strikes Out Nine
On Wednesday night, Shohei Ohtani achieved his first victory with the Los Angeles Dodgers by striking out a season-high nine batters in five innings, leading the team to a 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. This win marks a significant milestone for Ohtani, who had not secured a victory since August 9, 2023, when he played for the Angels against San Francisco.
The Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Reds, becoming the first team to do so this season. Los Angeles has now won four consecutive games, extending their lead in the National League West to two games over the San Diego Padres, who lost 4-3 against the Seattle Mariners.
Ohtani’s Performance and Key Moments
Ohtani’s performance was marked by his ability to overcome early challenges. He allowed one run and two hits while walking two batters during his outing, throwing a total of 87 pitches, with 53 strikes. Notably, Ohtani retired the final eight batters he faced, showcasing his resilience on a night when fans celebrated his achievements with a special bobblehead giveaway.
The game took an early turn when the Reds took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, following a 410-foot home run from Noelvi Marte. This marked the third home run Ohtani has allowed this season. However, the Dodgers quickly responded with a surge in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to establish a commanding 4-1 lead. Kiké Hernández, filling in for the injured Freddie Freeman, contributed a two-run single that helped shift the momentum in favor of Los Angeles.
Following Hernández’s hit, Dalton Rushing added another two-run single, showcasing the depth of the Dodgers’ lineup. The performance culminated in a solo home run by Michael Conforto in the eighth inning, further solidifying the Dodgers’ advantage.
Historic Strikeouts and Upcoming Challenges
In addition to Ohtani’s standout performance, the Dodgers’ pitching staff recorded a franchise record of 19 strikeouts in a nine-inning game, highlighting their dominance on the mound. Ohtani’s key moment came in the second inning when he faced a jam after walking back-to-back batters. He managed to escape without further damage, striking out Ke’Bryan Hayes and Matt McLain to end the inning.
Looking ahead, both teams will take off days before resuming play. The Reds will start right-hander Zack Littell (9-8, 3.62 ERA) against the St. Louis Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will send left-hander Blake Snell (3-2, 1.97 ERA) to the mound against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.
Ohtani’s performance not only marks a personal achievement but also reinforces the Dodgers’ position as a formidable contender in the league as they strive for postseason success.
