The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a crucial 6-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, fending off a late surge to maintain their slim lead in the National League West division. The win marks the Dodgers’ third straight victory, improving their record to 76-57 and keeping them one game ahead of the second-place San Diego Padres (75-58). Meanwhile, the Reds (68-65), who sit third in the NL Central, dropped their second consecutive game to Los Angeles.
Kershaw Dominates, Ohtani Contributes
Veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw delivered a vintage performance on the mound for the Dodgers. Over five masterful innings, Kershaw allowed just one run on two hits while striking out six and issuing no walks, earning his ninth win of the season (9-2). At the plate, superstar Shohei Ohtani, leading off as the designated hitter, went 1-for-4 with a walk and a key RBI that contributed to the team’s offensive burst.
The starting lineup for the Dodgers featured Ohtani, followed by Mookie Betts (shortstop), Freddie Freeman (first base), Will Smith (catcher), Teoscar Hernández (right field), Andy Pages (center field), Michael Conforto (left field), Enrique Hernández (third base), and Alex Freeland (second base).
Early Exchange and Mid-Game Momentum
Cincinnati struck first in the top of the first inning when Spencer Steer led off with a double and later scored on a groundout by Miguel Andújar. However, the Dodgers immediately answered in the bottom of the frame. After a walk from Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman smashed an RBI double to left field, tying the game at 1-1.
The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the fourth. Teoscar Hernández led off with a double, and after a Michael Conforto infield single, the Dodgers had runners on the corners with one out. Enrique Hernández then lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, giving Los Angeles a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.
Dodgers Break the Game Open
Los Angeles solidified its lead in the sixth inning with a decisive four-run rally. Catcher Will Smith ignited the surge with a two-run homer to right-center field, pushing the score to 4-1. Later in the inning, with runners on first and second, Miguel Rojas drove a clutch two-run double over the center fielder’s head. Shohei Ohtani followed with an RBI single to right, extending the Dodgers’ advantage to a commanding 6-1.
The Reds attempted a comeback in the seventh when Austin Hays hit a two-run homer off the Dodgers’ bullpen, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome. The Dodgers’ pitching held firm, closing out the game and securing the series win.
