In a thrilling game at Dodger Stadium, Jack Flaherty made his debut in front of the home crowd and did not disappoint. The right-hander struck out 10 batters in 5 2/3 innings, earning his ninth win of the season. Flaherty, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers before the trade deadline, showed poise and confidence on the mound, impressing Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with his ability to make pitches in crucial moments.
Flaherty’s performance was supported by an explosive offensive display from the Dodgers, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s two-run homer in the third inning. Ohtani’s 448-foot blast was his 11th homer of 440 feet or more this season, showcasing his incredible power at the plate. The Japanese superstar leads the National League in home runs and continues to amaze fans and teammates alike with his hitting prowess.
The Dodgers‘ offense continued to produce runs throughout the game, with contributions from players like Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández. Freddie Freeman, who recently returned to the team after missing time to be with his son, also made an impact with a home run and a double. The Dodgers‘ lineup displayed depth and versatility, putting pressure on the Pirates‘ pitching staff throughout the game.
On the other side, the Pirates showed resilience with home runs from Oneil Cruz and Joey Bart, narrowing the deficit at certain points in the game. Domingo Germán, who returned to the majors after a year away due to behavioral issues, provided solid relief pitching for Pittsburgh. Despite their efforts, the Pirates were unable to overcome the Dodgers‘ offensive firepower and fell short in their comeback bid.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are focused on maintaining their lead in the NL West as the race for the division title heats up. With the Padres and Diamondbacks also winning on the same night, the Dodgers are aware of the competition and the need to play their best baseball down the stretch. The team is optimistic about the return of pitcher Walker Buehler, who could rejoin the rotation soon and provide a boost as they head into a crucial stretch of games.
In the next matchup, the Pirates will send Paul Skenes to the mound, while the Dodgers will rely on River Ryan to continue their winning ways. Both teams will look to build on their performances and secure important victories as they jockey for playoff positioning in the competitive NL landscape. As the season progresses, fans can expect more exciting moments and standout performances from both teams as they chase their postseason aspirations.