Dodgers dominance propels past Braves in 10-3 victory, powered by home runs from Ohtani and Freeman, while Sasaki secures his initial MLB win.
Livin' Large off the Bat and Arm:
Freddie Freeman went yard, racked up four RBIs, Shohei Ohtani unleashed his power, and Roki Sasaki clinched his first major league win as the Los Angeles Dodgers clobbered the Atlanta Braves 10-3 in a rain-delayed night game, marking their seventh consecutive triumph.
The Dodgers now boast a 5-0 record against the Braves this season, with their dominance dating back to their initial three-game sweep at home in the early season. The Braves, on the other hand, still Search for their first victory against the Dodgers, having started the year 0-7.
Sasaki, a 23-year-old sensation fresh from Japan, showed off his prowess with a five-inning stint against Atlanta. Despite conceding three runs and six hits, he managed to hold on with invaluable run support in his seventh big league outing. Sasaki yielded a home run to Ozzie Albies but displayed his potential with a commanding debut.
Fueled by a dozen base knocks, the Dodgers charged ahead with a four-run fourth inning and pulled away. Freeman hit a monstrous three-run shot off Scott Blewett in the eighth inning.
Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves, tasked with starting the game, lasted just 3 and 2/3 innings. He surrendered six runs, five earned, and eight hits.
Heavy rain and lightning led to a 3-hour, 6-minute delay before the opening pitch, making the 10:21 p.m. start the latest in Truist Park's nine-year history. The game concluded at a wee hour of 1:26 a.m. on Sunday.
Ohtani threw 35 pitches in the bullpen prior to the game as he continues his recovery from a 2023 elbow injury, aiming to return to his dual superstar status. Although Ohtani, who seems to be DH-exclusive thus far this season, has yet to face opponents and hasn’t thrown sliders, Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, observes that Ohtani has been ramping up his velocity, promoting optimism about his comeback.
Since undergoing right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair surgery in September 2023 and arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in November 2023, Ohtani has been gradually progressing through his recovery, with Dodgers management emphasizing careful step-by-step progression to ensure his long-term health and dual-role potential.
The Dodgers square off against the Braves once more on Sunday night, with Dustin May and Bryce Elder taking the mound in the finale. May stands at 1-1, 3.95 ERA, while Elder sports a 1-1 record and a 5.33 ERA. The anticipation mounts for the final showdown between these two powerhouse teams.
In the ongoing MLB competition, the Dodgers' Japanese sensation, Roki Sasaki, secured his first major league win after a robust display against the Atlanta Braves, showcasing his potential even in a wet setting. And in a remarkable turn of events, Shohei Ohtani, the multi-talented star from Japan, made a bullpen appearance as he prepares for his return to the field following an injury.
