Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a dominant performance Wednesday night, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three hits over seven innings to lead Los Angeles to a 14-1 rout of the Cincinnati Reds. The victory extended the Dodgers’ winning streak to a season-high seven games and completed a series sweep at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers Offense Explodes for 14 Runs
The Dodgers’ lineup provided massive run support, with Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Kiké Hernández each launching two-run home runs. Los Angeles broke the game open with a six-run fourth inning — its highest-scoring frame since a nine-run outburst against San Diego on June 27, also in a Yamamoto start. All nine Dodgers starters reached base, marking the team’s 11th consecutive home win over Cincinnati.
Betts continued his hot September, going 3-for-5 with two RBI, three runs scored, and a walk to raise his average to .249. It was his fifth multi-hit game in the first eight games of the month. Kyle Tucker added a solo homer in the eighth inning off Reds position player Jose Trevino.
Magic Number Drops to Six
With the sweep, Los Angeles reduced its magic number to six for clinching a 13th National League West title in 14 seasons. The Dodgers achieved the milestone without injured superstars Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in the lineup.
Yamamoto Sets Career High in Wins
Yamamoto (13-8) retired 17 of his first 20 batters en route to his 13th win of the season, a new career best. His 10 strikeouts matched a season high. The right-hander received 13 runs of support — his most since July 19.
De La Cruz Powers Reds’ Lone Run
Cincinnati’s only run came on a 403-foot home run to center field by Elly De La Cruz on the first pitch he saw from Yamamoto in the fourth inning. The blast extended De La Cruz’s home run streak to a career-high five consecutive games; he also homered on the first pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal on Tuesday. NL Rookie of the Year candidate Sal Stewart singled twice off Yamamoto, and JJ Bleday drew a walk.
Key Fourth Inning Sequence
The Dodgers’ decisive fourth inning featured an RBI double by Alex Freeland, a two-run double by Hernández that was followed by a run-scoring wild pitch from reliever Luis Mey, and a two-run single by Teoscar Hernández that glanced off De La Cruz’s glove to make it 9-1. Betts’ two-run homer off Reds starter Rhett Lowder (6-10) had earlier staked Los Angeles to a 3-0 lead.
Upcoming Schedule
Reds: Following an off-day Thursday, left-hander Andrew Abbott (6-10, 4.43 ERA) will start Friday’s series opener at Milwaukee against Brewers lefty Kyle Harrison (10-4, 3.66).
Dodgers: Los Angeles had not announced a starter for Friday’s series opener at Miami as of Wednesday night.
