Skubal Shines as Dodgers Edge Reds for Sixth Straight Victory
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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LOS ANGELES -- Tarik Skubal worked deep into the game, Teoscar Hernández delivered a clutch single in the fifth, and the Los Angeles Dodgers held on to beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Tuesday night, notching their sixth straight win. The victory kept the momentum rolling for the National League West leaders, who have found a reliable arm in Skubal since acquiring him before the trade deadline.
Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, went 7 1/3 innings, surrendering two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking two. He improved to 9-7 on the year, and the Dodgers have now won each of his last four outings. Since joining the club just ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Skubal is 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and 10 walks across seven starts. Tanner Scott closed the door in the ninth for his 22nd save of the season.
The Dodgers jumped ahead early. Will Smith crushed a two-strike, two-out homer off Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the first inning, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. In the second, the Dodgers added another run when Hernández walked and eventually scored after Tommy Edman was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Cincinnati answered in the third. Elly De La Cruz launched a two-out, two-run homer to center field off Skubal, a 444-foot blast that tied the game at 2. It was the longest home run hit at Dodger Stadium this season, coming on an 87 mph changeup. De La Cruz now has homered in four consecutive games, matching his career high, and his 25th home run tied the Reds' single-season record for a switch-hitter.
The game remained tied until the fifth. With two outs, Hernández singled to center, driving in the go-ahead run and chasing Lodolo from the game. Lodolo (3-4) allowed three runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six. Hernández finished 3-for-3 with a walk, boosting his average to .484 over the last nine games.
A defensive highlight unfolded in the bottom of the inning. Hernández tripled, and the ball eluded charging center fielder Dane Myers, rolling to the wall. Left fielder JJ Bleday relayed to De La Cruz, who sprinted from shortstop to center field and fired a 106 mph throw to the plate, nailing Hernández attempting an inside-the-park home run. Third base coach Dino Ebel had given Hernández the green light.
The Reds threatened in the eighth. De La Cruz hit a two-out double off reliever Edgardo Henriquez, putting the potential tying run in scoring position. Sal Stewart worked a 1-2 count when the Dodgers challenged a ball call. The Automatic Ball-Strike System overturned the call, and Stewart struck out to end the inning. Scott handled the ninth without issue.
Shohei Ohtani was held out of the lineup to rest nagging knee and biceps injuries. Freddie Freeman took over as designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. The Dodgers face the Reds in the series finale Wednesday, with right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-8, 2.67 ERA) opposing Cincinnati's Rhett Lowder (6-9, 5.43 ERA).
Los Angeles looks to sweep the series and extend its winning streak to seven games, while Cincinnati aims to salvage a split and cool off the red-hot Dodgers.
Article commentary
The Dodgers continue to demonstrate the depth and resilience that have defined their season. With a six-game winning streak and a comfortable lead in the NL West, Los Angeles appears to be hitting its stride at the ideal moment. The acquisition of Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline is proving to be a masterstroke. Since joining the club, Skubal has delivered consistent quality starts, lowering his ERA to 2.84 and providing the rotation with a much-needed anchor. His ability to pitch into the eighth inning on Tuesday night not only saved the bullpen but also showcased his experience and composure under pressure. Teoscar Hernández's recent hot streak cannot be overlooked. Hitting .484 over his last nine games, he has emerged as a critical offensive weapon. His timely single in the fifth inning proved to be the difference, and his overall approach at the plate has been disciplined and productive. This kind of production is vital for a team that sometimes leans heavily on its superstars. Elly De La Cruz continues to be a bright spot for the Reds. His 444-foot home run was a statement, extending his streak to four consecutive games with a homer. Tying the club record for home runs by a switch-hitter at age 22 suggests a bright future. His defensive play in the same inning—a 106 mph relay throw to nail Hernández at the plate—highlighted his exceptional athleticism. However, the Reds' inability to capitalize on his efforts underscores their broader offensive struggles. Cincinnati's pitching has been inconsistent, and Nick Lodolo's outing mirrored that trend. He showed flashes of dominance but was let down by a costly walk and a hit batter, leading to an early exit. The Reds find themselves in a rebuilding phase, relying on young talent like De La Cruz while waiting for their rotation to stabilize. From a strategic standpoint, the Dodgers' decision to rest Shohei Ohtani was prudent. Managing his nagging injuries now could pay dividends in October. The team's depth allows for such flexibility, with Freddie Freeman stepping into the DH role despite an off night at the plate. The use of the Automatic Ball-Strike System in the eighth inning added an intriguing layer. The challenge overturned a ball call, leading to a strikeout that ended a Reds threat. While technology continues to refine umpiring accuracy, its impact on game flow remains a topic of debate. Looking ahead, the Dodgers appear poised for a deep postseason run. Their rotation, bolstered by Skubal and anchored by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is formidable. The lineup, even without Ohtani, remains dangerous. For the Reds, growth and development are the story. De La Cruz provides hope, but consistent pitching and offensive depth are still works in progress. This series reflects the contrasting trajectories of two teams heading in opposite directions.