Astros Rout Dodgers 18-1 at Dodger Stadium, Record Inning Highlights Victory

On Shohei Ohtani's 31st birthday, he continued his gradual return to pitching after 2023 elbow surgery, expected to throw two innings against the Houston Astros. The Astros dominated the game with an 18-1 rout over the Dodgers, marking the Dodgers' worst loss at Dodger Stadium since 1962, highlighted by multiple home runs including from Jose Altuve and Christian Walker, who homered in six consecutive games at the stadium. A bizarre play occurred when Ohtani hit a liner that bounced off Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.'s foot into the glove of Mauricio Dubón, resulting in an unusual out after review. Despite Ohtani's limited pitching innings, he remains a significant offensive threat with a 1.013 OPS and 30 home runs this season, and is favored to win his fourth NL MVP award if he continues to improve on the mound. Meanwhile, Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña is expected to return soon from a rib fracture, after a breakout season performance, bolstering Houston's quest for another AL West title. The Astros' overwhelming victory and Ohtani's ongoing comeback underscore a dynamic MLB season featuring standout individual performances and team rivalries.