Dodgers Pitching Dominates Reds with 19 Strikeouts Led by Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani delivered a standout pitching performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, striking out nine batters over five innings and earning his first win of the season. Despite allowing a solo home run on a pitch called by rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, Ohtani showed trust in Rushing, leading to a strong collaborative effort on the mound. The Dodgers' pitching staff collectively struck out 19 batters, the most in a nine-inning game for the franchise in 125 seasons, a feat praised by manager Dave Roberts. Meanwhile, Alex Call, who joined the Dodgers at the trade deadline, hit the longest home run for Los Angeles this season at 453 feet, surpassing Ohtani’s previous top mark of 448 feet. Call has been a versatile outfield option and effective pinch hitter for the Dodgers, though he recently exited a game with lower back pain. Overall, the Dodgers are leveraging strong pitching and depth options as they aim to extend their National League West lead.