Ohtani and Smith Spark Unexpected Dodgers Revival: What’s Behind the Sudden Offensive Surge?
Monday night’s showdown at Dodger Stadium was a classic case of quality trumping quantity for the Dodgers — a lineup that’s been sputtering lately but still managed to find some power swings when it counted. Against Minnesota Twins starter David Festa, who’s been struggling himself, the Dodgers scraped together just four hits over six innings. Not much to write home about, honestly, especially given the offensive drought that’s plagued them this July. But here’s the kicker: three of those hits cleared the fences — a two-run shot by Shohei Ohtani early on and two solo blasts from Will Smith later in the game — enough firepower to push the Dodgers to a 5-2 victory. It wasn’t the offensive explosion fans might’ve hoped for, but in these frustrating times, those timely homers felt like a lifeline. And despite their woes — with half of the lineup in a serious tailspin over the last six weeks, as front office boss Andrew Friedman candidly admitted — the Dodgers still flexed their muscle in the home run department, rocketing four balls out of the park, a rare feat this season. Ohtani, juggling his dual pitching and hitting roles, seemed more at ease slotting into the second spot in the order, and Will Smith’s hot bat kept the momentum alive. Though the night wasn’t without its scares — closer Tanner Scott exiting with an injury late in the game had everyone holding their breath — the team held on, with a highlight-reel catch by James Outman sealing the deal. This game was no sweeping turnaround, but it was a necessary notch, a reminder that even when the offense slumps, those booming swings can bail you out.
It was quality over quantity for the Dodgers on Monday night. A bunch of empty at-bats, salvaged by a few emphatic drives that left the ballpark.
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