fbpx

Dodgers Highlights: Shohei Ohtani 30-30, Gavin Lux, Jack Flaherty, Kiké Hernández Pitches & More

Matthew Moreno
5 Min Read
Aug 3, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux (9) hits an RBI single against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped their three-game losing streak by erupting for a 10-0 win over the Oakland Athletics, and now are in position to end what’s been a disappointing road trip on a positive note.

Jack Flaherty impressed in his Dodgers debut as the right-hander went six scoreless innings to give the team just their second quality start since June 27.

Flaherty scattered five hits and issued one walk while collecting seven strikeouts. Flaherty was stressed in the sixth inning as his pitch count neared triple digits and the A’s loaded the bases with nobody out.

He escaped the jam by inducing a force out, striking out Seth Brown, and getting Abraham Toro to ground out to end the inning.

The Dodgers at that point held a 2-0 lead thanks to Gavin Lux’s two-run single with two outs in the third inning. It extended Lux’s hitting streak to eight games.

Kiké Hernández then extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0 with an RBI double in the eighth inning, and Andy Pages followed with a base hit to bring him in.

Shohei Ohtani helped spark a big ninth inning with a leadoff single that set him up to steal second base. That gave Ohtani a 30-30 season, just the fourth in Dodgers franchise history. Ohtani currently leads the National League with 33 home runs.

Ohtani then swiped his 31st bag — and third of the night — as part of a double steal with Teoscar Hernández. Amed Rosario capitalized on the opportunity by driving in Ohtani with an infield single.

Three consecutive RBI base hits from Will Smith, Jason Heyward and Hernández broke the game open at 8-0. The Dodgers scored another run on a wild pitch and Nick Ahmed capped off the six-run inning with a base hit.

The shutout win was a first for the Dodgers since Gavin Stone threw a complete game against the Chicago White Sox June 26.

Dodgers 30-30 seasons

Raúl Mondesi had the first 30-30 season in Dodgers franchise history when he finished with 30 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 1997. Mondesi achieved the feat again in 1999 and increased those totals to 33 homers and 36 stolen bases.

Matt Kemp joined the club in 2011 with 39 home runs and 40 stolen bases.

Ohtani is on pace to have the most prolific 30-30 season in Dodgers history, and conceivably should reach 40 in both categories.

Kiké Hernández pitches

Given their commanding lead, the Dodgers bullpen was provided a break as Kiké Hernández pitched for the second time this season. He retired the first two batters faced on two outs and stranded a single to wrap up the game.

When Hernández last pitched on July 9, it was in a lopsided loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com