- Shohei Ohtani smashes 30th homer of the season, leading the NL.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto strikes out eight in seven dominant innings.
- Dodgers overpower struggling White Sox with a 6-1 home victory.
Shohei Ohtani added another milestone to his already historic career, launching his 30th home run of the season in the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. The solo blast to center came after a brief pause in play when he fouled a pitch off home plate umpire Alan Porter.
While Ohtani headlined offensively, Yoshinobu Yamamoto turned in one of his sharpest performances on the mound. The Japanese right-hander held the White Sox to just one run on three hits over seven innings, striking out eight with 98 efficient pitches.
Dodgers Ride Ohtani’s Firepower and Yamamoto’s Precision Past White Sox
Ohtani’s latest homer adds to a remarkable streak—he has now hit 30 or more home runs in five straight seasons, a feat achieved by only a handful of players in MLB history. Since joining the Dodgers, he has elevated his game even further, already surpassing expectations just halfway through the season. His power and poise continue to set the tone for a high-powered Dodgers offense.
Yamamoto, often overshadowed by Ohtani’s headlines, continues to deliver ace-caliber performances. Tuesday’s outing marked his eighth win of the season and a personal milestone, surpassing his win total from his rookie year. His improved mechanics and increased confidence have made him one of the most reliable arms in the Dodgers’ rotation. This performance was particularly impressive after his rain-shortened start in Colorado last week.
Rookie pitcher Shane Smith, one of the few bright spots for the struggling White Sox, struggled to contain the Dodgers’ lineup. After getting two quick outs in the first inning, he unraveled, giving up a walk, a string of hits, and four runs—without finishing the frame cleanly. Despite his solid ERA and strikeout numbers entering the game, the Dodgers exposed the gap between a rebuilding team and a postseason contender.
The victory marked the Dodgers’ 13th win in 16 games, giving them significant momentum ahead of the All-Star break. As the team looks to extend its lead in the NL West, the contributions from the bottom of the batting order and consistent pitching from Yamamoto hint at a well-rounded squad poised for a deep playoff run. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of timely hitting and strong pitching as key ingredients to their recent success.
With Ohtani crushing milestones and Yamamoto settling into ace form, the Dodgers are firing on all cylinders as the season nears its halfway point.
“Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude.” – Ralph Marston
