The Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Wednesday to sweep the three game series, though the win came with plenty of drama.
Catcher Dalton Rushing, who’s been thrust into the top spot amid Will Smith’s neck issues, struggled at the plate with three strikeouts and appeared to be at odds with starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani at times.
Even with those very visible hurdles, though, Dave Roberts, coaches and veteran players talked Rushing through his frustrations, and the bullpen and Rushing held on to secure the win.
How did Shohei Ohtani do as a pitcher?
Ohtani got the win, improving to 8-2 on the year.
The Twins scored three runs in the second inning — two of which were earned — but Ohtani otherwise was stellar, striking out eight batters against five hits and two walks over six innings.
His ERA is now 1.58, and Tanner Scott got the save, his 11th of the season.
How did the Dodgers bullpen do?
While Ohtani got the win, Kyle Hurt and Alex Vesia’s work was key to the Dodgers holding on to victory.
Hurt and Vesia each pitched an inning, with Hurt walking two batters and Vesia allowing two hits.
Both were able to hold the Twins scoreless, though, and Vesia did so with three strikeouts.
Who led the Dodgers offensively?
Mookie Betts was the Dodgers’ star at the plate, hitting 3-for-4, including his 300th career homer.
Ohtani, Alex Call and Max Muncy also knocked in runs.
Betts’ solo homer came in the second inning, just before the Twins’ big inning, but the Dodgers regained the lead in the top of the third.
Call’s sacrifice fly scored Freddie Freeman, and that proved to be the difference.
What’s up next for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers (52-29) are off Thursday before they begin a three-game series against the Padres (41-37) in San Diego on Friday.
Roki Sasaki (3-4, 4.76 ERA, 70 strikeouts) is expected to get the start Friday night.
