The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their six-game home losing streak on Monday night with a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. The star of the night was Shohei Ohtani, who gave up a home run and hit one in the same inning.
In his sixth pitching start of the season, Ohtani allowed a homer to Byron Buxton on his second pitch of the game. But he quickly made up for it. In the bottom of the first inning, Ohtani smashed a two-run home run to center field. It was his 35th home run of the season and his first while pitching in the same game.
Will Smith added two solo home runs, and Andy Pages hit another to power the Dodgers’ offense. The win comes after a tough stretch that included the All-Star break and a three-game sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ohtani pitched three innings. He allowed one run on five hard-hit balls but didn’t give up any more after the first inning. He threw a season-high 46 pitches and left runners on base in each frame.
Dustin May followed Ohtani with a strong relief performance. He pitched 4⅔ scoreless innings, allowing five hits and three walks. May threw 100 pitches and escaped several tight spots.
However, the Dodgers’ win was dampened by an injury to closer Tanner Scott. He entered the game in the eighth inning and returned for the ninth. After walking a batter and hitting another, he felt something in his forearm and left the game. Manager Dave Roberts said Scott would undergo an MRI and will likely go on the injured list.
Kirby Yates replaced Scott and loaded the bases. He allowed one run on a sacrifice fly before James Outman caught a deep drive from Carlos Correa to seal the win.
Despite the victory, the Dodgers remain cautious. Manager Roberts expressed concern about Scott’s injury but praised the team’s fight. With key players like Blake Snell and Blake Treinen close to returning, the Dodgers hope to regain stability on the mound soon.
