Dodgers Recap: Ohtani Pulled From the Mound Due to Cramping. Rookie Alex Freeland Gets His First Big League Hit.

CINCINNATI, OH – The Los Angeles Dodgers quest for their first sweep in weeks was thwarted Wednesday as they fell to the Cincinnati Reds in the final game of their three-game series. Shohei Ohtani started for the Dodgers, aiming to pitch four innings, while Alex Freeland made his Major League debut, notching his first big league hit with an opposite-field line drive single.

The Reds drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning when Elly De La Cruz delivered an RBI single to center field, scoring Gavin Lux from second. Ohtani managed to limit the damage, giving up just the one run.

Freddie Freeman later put the Dodgers ahead, crushing a two-run home run into the right-center field seats, scoring Will Smith and giving LA a 2-1 lead.

Ohtani’s day on the mound was cut short after facing just two batters in the fourth. His command faltered, walking Tyler Stevenson and advancing Noelvi Marte with two wild pitches that reached the backstop. Ohtani’s final line for the day was 3 innings pitched, 5 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts on 51 pitches (32 strikes), with 9 swing-and-misses. The Dodgers later reported Ohtani was removed due to cramping.

The Reds then tied the game after Ohtani’s departure. Following a hit and a walk, relief pitcher Anthony Banda walked his first batter. Will Benson then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Marte to score on a headfirst slide at the plate, just eluding Andy Pages’ strong throw to Will Smith.

The Dodgers had a chance to regain the lead in the top of the eighth, loading the bases with one out, but Andy Pages and Michael Conforto were unable to capitalize, leaving three runners stranded. Los Angeles had left eight batters on base heading into the ninth.

The bottom of the eighth proved disastrous for the Dodgers. Emmet Sheehan, who had been pitching well, recorded two outs but then gave up a hit and two walks to load the bases. James Outman made a heroic effort to end the inning, getting a glove on a Spencer Steer fly ball that appeared to be a sure home run, keeping it in the ballpark. However, the Reds still managed to plate three runs in the inning, seizing the lead.

The Dodgers ultimately fell to the Reds, losing the series finale. They will now travel to Tampa Bay for a three-game series against the Marlins, looking to build momentum before returning home. First pitch is scheduled for 4:35 PM PST and can be seen on SportsNet LA.

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