Shohei Ohtani Leads Dodgers Over Reds 5-2: LA’s Superstar Delivers Again

By Oliver Wiener July 29, 2025 10:38

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on July 28, 2025, powered by another standout performance from Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani extended his impressive hitting streak to nine games with a crucial two-run double in the fifth inning, delivering exactly when the Dodgers needed it most to build a lead at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Right out of the gate, the Dodgers leaned on stellar pitching from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who dominated for seven innings. Yamamoto struck out nine batters and limited the Reds to just two runs, allowing only six hits and one walk. After the third inning, Yamamoto retired 14 of the final 15 batters he faced, demonstrating remarkable control and precision. Meanwhile, the Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns struggled to contain the Dodgers' lineup despite logging 10 strikeouts; he gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings and was tagged with the loss .

The Dodgers’ offense got off to a quick start as Teoscar Hernández opened the scoring with a single that drove in Mookie Betts, making it 1-0. The Reds answered in the bottom half by grounding out to score Matt McLain, tying the game. The pivotal moment came in the top of the fifth when Miguel Rojas doubled to lead off, followed by a single from Betts. Ohtani then lined a two-run double off a 99.4 mph fastball from Burns into deep center field, pushing the Dodgers ahead 3-1. This hit not only extended Ohtani’s hitting streak he is now batting .306 with 13 RBIs during this stretch but it also served as a momentum breaker for Cincinnati.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s continued impact, stating, “Shohei is a dynamic player who always rises to the occasion. That double in the fifth was timely and set the tone for the rest of the game. His ability to perform under pressure is what makes him a superstar.” Ohtani’s two RBIs in this game solidify his reputation as one of the most clutch hitters in the league this season.

Additional offensive production came in the seventh inning when Teoscar Hernández singled again, driving in Betts and advancing Ohtani. Freddie Freeman then contributed with a single that scored Ohtani, extending the lead to 5-1. The Reds did manage to rally slightly in the ninth, thanks to an RBI single by Will Benson, making the score 5-2, but the Dodgers' bullpen closed strong. Jack Dreyer earned his first major league save by retiring the final batter with runners on base, effectively shutting down the Reds’ late threat.

Statistically, the Dodgers showcased the strength of both their pitching and lineup. Yamamoto’s performance solidified his 9-7 season record with an earned run average (ERA) sitting comfortably in the low twos. Meanwhile, Ohtani’s explosive bat and ability to produce runs emphasize his two-way value, a rare commodity in modern baseball.

This defeat is a tough break for the Reds, who remain in the hunt despite pitching injuries and uneven offensive output. Rookie Burns’ continued strikeout prowess highlights his potential despite recent losses, but Cincinnati’s defense and run prevention will need to tighten up to compete going forward.

The Dodgers’ 5-2 road win over the Reds was a classic example of pitching dominance coupled with timely hitting, led by Shohei Ohtani’s clutch two-run double and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s masterful start. With this victory, Los Angeles moves to 62-45, positioning themselves firmly atop the National League West as they look ahead to the playoff push.

“We know every game counts,” Ohtani said postgame. “Getting key hits and having strong pitching nights like this is what will carry us through.” The Dodgers hope to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip following this important victory.