Kiké Hernández returns, and veteran southpaw Clayton Kershaw shines as the Los Angeles Dodgers take a 6-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Kershaw set the tone early in the game. He delivered a five-inning outing with six strikeouts, allowing just two hits and one earned run, giving the Dodgers a strong start.
The Reds jumped ahead in the first inning on a groundout to third by Miguel Andújar that drove in Spencer Steer. The Dodgers wasted no time answering back as Freddie Freeman doubled, scoring Mookie Betts.
Kershaw continued to dominate through the early innings, keeping the Red’s lineup off balance as they struggled to gain momentum. “It wasn’t a great night, stuff-wise. I didn’t have a lot of stuff… Will [Smith] did a good job, he kinda flipped the script,” Kershaw told SportsNet LA when asked about his performance.
Kiké Hernández Makes an Immediate Impact
In his first game back since July 5th with an elbow injury, Kiké Hernández returns and wastes no time showcasing why he is a key piece in the Dodgers’ lineup. He went 2-for-2 with two singles. He also contributed with a fourth-inning sacrifice fly that drove in Teoscar Hernández, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. His energy and timely hitting helped to ignite the Dodgers’ offense.
“I was just trying to grind out at bats… wanted to see some pitches,” said Kiké Hernández to SportsNet LA.
His return to the Dodgers couldn’t have come at a more critical time, as injuries plague the team. Kiké Hernández returns and bolsters the Dodgers’ lineup. Hernández is a proven bat that has come through in the clutch many times.
The Dodgers have battled through a number of injuries to key players this season. Dave Roberts has had to shuffle his lineups and call on bench players to fill significant roles.
Smith, Rojas, and Ohtani Extend the Lead
After Kiké Hernández helped the Dodgers take the lead, the Dodgers continued to build momentum in the middle innings. Will Smith launched a solo shot to center field in the sixth inning, extending the lead to 3-1 and giving the Dodgers some cushion. Miguel Rojas served up a clutch two-run double that drove in Kiké Hernández and Alex Call, pushing the lead to 5-1.
Shohei Ohtani followed with a sharp single into right field, scoring Rojas and giving the Dodgers a 6-1 lead heading into the seventh inning.
A two-run shot by Austin Hays in the seventh cut the Dodgers’ lead to 6-3. However, after the home run, the Dodgers’ bullpen quickly regained control. Relievers pitched effectively to retire the remaining batters, with Tanner Scott closing out the ninth to secure the win.
With the 6-3 victory over the Reds, the Dodgers now look to sweep the series against them on August 29. The Dodgers, on a three-game win streak, hope to carry momentum through the season.
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