Will Smith delivered a go-ahead RBI double in the top of the ninth inning, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-4 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park. Despite Shohei Ohtani striking out four times in a game for the sixth time in his career, the Dodgers secured their second straight win with late-inning offense.
Los Angeles entered the matchup as slight favorites with moneyline odds around -130, while Cincinnati was listed at +110. The over/under for total runs was set at 9.5, and the teams narrowly surpassed that mark as the game unfolded into a back-and-forth contest.
Ohtani, who came into the game on a nine-game hitting streak, was held hitless and struck out in each of his first four plate appearances. It marked the first time he has struck out four times in his first four game at-bats. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player could not contribute offensively, but his teammates stepped up in key moments.
Freddie Freeman had a strong night at the plate, recording three hits, including an RBI single in the seventh inning that tied the game at 4-4. Smith also played a pivotal role, driving in two runs, including the game-winner in the ninth. Michael Conforto drew a leadoff walk against Reds reliever Emilio Pagán to start the final inning. James Outman entered as a pinch-runner and came around to score when Smith drove a two-out double off the left-field wall, putting Los Angeles in front.
The Dodgers’ bullpen held off the Reds’ offense in the final frames. Alexis Díaz, acquired from Cincinnati on May 29, recorded four outs without allowing a run and picked up the win, improving to 1-0. Alex Vesia closed the game by retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth to earn his fourth save.
Cincinnati built a 4-2 lead earlier in the game thanks to Jake Fraley and Noelvi Marte home runs. Fraley hit a two-run shot in the fourth inning to tie the game at 2-2, and Marte followed with a solo homer two batters later to give the Reds a one-run lead. Tommy Edman had given the Dodgers an early edge with a two-run homer in the first inning off Reds starter Nick Lodolo.
Lodolo struck out 11 Dodgers hitters in six innings, falling one shy of his career high. He became the 13th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to strike out Ohtani three times in a single game. Despite his strong outing, Lodolo did not factor into the decision.
With the win, the Dodgers overcame a two-run deficit and improved their standing in the National League. The Reds, who had won four straight games before this series, dropped their second consecutive contest.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s series finale, Ohtani is scheduled to start on the mound for Los Angeles, expected to pitch four innings in his seventh appearance of the season. Cincinnati will counter with right-hander Nick Martinez, who enters with a 9-9 record and a 4.69 ERA.