For the first five and a half innings on Tuesday night, Dodger Stadium was practically deserted.
Then, in the bottom of the 6th inning, Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate and changed the game.
Ohtani swung at a cutter from Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen and launched a home run deep into center field, which ultimately gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead and secured a series win.
“It’s an old-fashioned baseball game, 1-0,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s a really fun baseball game to be a part of.”
This was Ohtani’s 15th home run of the season, with seven of those coming in the last 17 games and five in his last nine. He had previously hit only three home runs in 39 games between mid-April and late May, indicating he’s found his power again.
“He sees the baseball well and swings at good pitches,” Roberts remarked. “When he uses the entire field, there’s no one better.”
In addition to the home run, Justin Robleski provided crucial support by throwing six scoreless innings. Before Ohtani’s hit, both teams had been in a tight contest with no one gaining an early edge.
After the home run, the Dodgers’ bullpen continued to dominate, pitching three consecutive scoreless innings for the second game in a row. Will Klein, Kyle Hart, and Tanner Scott each pitched an inning, completing the game in just 1 hour and 52 minutes. This marked the fastest nine-inning game for the Dodgers since 1992.
“Being under two hours is pretty impressive, especially with a noon game tomorrow,” said Wroblewski. “That’s good for the boys.”
What it means
Although the Dodgers (47-27) don’t have the highest winning percentage in the majors, they now stand as MLB’s winningest team, surpassing the Atlanta Braves after their game was postponed due to rain.
This series victory over the Rays (41-29) improved the Dodgers’ home record to 24-12 for the season.
Who is hot
Wroblewski, who returned from a hamstring injury last week and pitched on a short rest, was pulled after 67 pitches despite a solid outing.
In his six innings on Tuesday, he earned his fifth shutout start this season, outperforming Rasmussen in a pitching duel.
Wroblewski was efficient, managing to keep the Rays to three hits while striking out five batters. He allowed just one runner to reach second base and retired nine of the last ten batters he faced.
Currently, he has an 8-2 record with a 2.72 ERA, making a case for an unexpected All-Star selection.
“That’s my drive: to be the best version of myself and see where it leads,” Wroblewski said about the possibility of reaching the All-Star game. “That’s pretty cool, but I just want to contribute every time I’m out there.”
Who is not?
Concerns are growing regarding Ohtani’s left knee injury.
Before Tuesday’s game, he had a bullpen session to check on his knee, which had been swollen after his last pitching appearance. After the game, Roberts confirmed that Ohtani would be okay to start on Wednesday, although he would not serve as a designated hitter.
This seemed like a positive indication that his injury won’t be a long-term issue, which is certainly good news as far as his batting is concerned.
To the next
Ohtani (6-2, 1.06 ERA) is set to face Tampa Bay’s left-hander Shane McClanahan (6-4, 3.23 ERA) as the Dodgers aim to complete a three-game winning streak against the Rays on Wednesday afternoon.
