Shohei Ohtani stole three bases as the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the Arizona Diamondbacks with a score of 11-6 on Monday. Freddie Freeman contributed significantly, hitting two home runs and driving in five runs during the game.
Teoscar Hernández showcased his hitting prowess by going 5 for 5, playing a pivotal role in helping Los Angeles secure three victories out of four in this important series against their NL West rivals. With this win, the Dodgers have now claimed 17 of their last 23 games, establishing a six-game lead over the D-backs as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Ohtani’s speed was on full display as he stole second and third base in succession during the seventh inning, bringing his season total to a career-high 46 stolen bases. Freeman added to the excitement by driving in Ohtani with a sacrifice fly, increasing the Dodgers’ lead to 4-1.
The dynamic Japanese player is on track to achieve a remarkable dual milestone of 50 stolen bases and 50 home runs this season, currently sitting at 44 homers.
Hernández’s impressive performance included a double and a triple, contributing to his five-hit day. Will Smith also made his mark with a two-run single in the seventh inning, pushing the score to 6-1, while Mookie Betts added a two-run double in the eighth to extend the lead to 8-3.
Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty (4-1) delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run over 5 2/3 innings, with five hits against him, three walks, and seven strikeouts.
Since joining the Dodgers via trade from the Detroit Tigers, Flaherty has helped the team win four of his six starts.
The Dodgers established an early lead, scoring three runs in the third inning. Betts’ RBI single opened the scoring, and Freeman followed with a two-run homer to put Los Angeles ahead 3-0.
Freeman later hit his second two-run homer in the eighth inning, further solidifying the Dodgers’ advantage.
On the other side, Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez had a standout performance with three hits, including a solo home run. The D-backs managed to narrow the gap to 6-3 in the seventh inning but could not capitalize, as Josh Bell grounded out against Anthony Banda to end the threat.
D-backs pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (2-1) struggled, needing 92 pitches to complete just four innings. He allowed three runs on seven hits, with two walks and one strikeout, marking his shortest outing in five games since returning from a shoulder injury.
The Arizona pitching staff faced challenges throughout the series, giving up a staggering 32 runs in four games. The D-backs ended their homestand with a disappointing 2-5 record against the Mets and the Dodgers.
In a roster move, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Michael Petersen and optioned left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski to Triple-A Oklahoma City after Wrobleski allowed 10 runs over 5 1/3 innings in Sunday’s loss.
