Dodgers Return to Winning Ways Fueled by Ohtani and Kershaw

The Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back in a big way on Sunday. They ended a frustrating five-game losing streak with a 5–2 road win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Shohei Ohtani put on an explosive show, and Clayton Kershaw pitched with his usual grit. The Dodgers not only got the win—they tightened their grip on first place in the National League West.

Shohei Ohtani Leads the Charge with Multi-Homer Masterclass

When the Dodgers needed a spark, Shohei Ohtani delivered in spectacular fashion. The two-way superstar smashed two home runs, notching his fourth multi-homer game of the season.

He wasted no time. In the first inning, Ohtani launched his 12th leadoff homer of the year—a shot that tied Mookie Betts’ 2023 franchise record for most leadoff blasts in a single season.

Those long balls gave Ohtani 48 home runs this year. He’s now just one shy of the National League leader, Kyle Schwarber.

He also drove in two runs, matching Betts, who followed Ohtani’s fireworks with a home run of his own—his 16th of 2024. That 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup set the tone for LA’s offense, which had been searching for answers lately.

A Potential Home Run Crown for Ohtani

With just one homer separating him from the NL lead, Ohtani’s right in the thick of the race for his first National League home run title. Given his previous MVP awards in the American League, snagging an NL crown would be another wild milestone in what’s already a legendary career.

Kershaw Shows Veteran Poise in First Start Against Orioles

Clayton Kershaw keeps showing why he’s one of the best pitchers of his generation. In his first-ever start against Baltimore, Kershaw worked 5 2/3 innings and allowed only two runs on four hits.

He struck out eight and picked up his 10th win of the year. That’s now 12 seasons with double-digit victories—a real testament to his staying power.

Since the start of August, Kershaw has been on a roll. Over seven starts, he’s posted a 3.00 ERA, notched 30 strikeouts, and gone undefeated with a 5–0 record for the month.

Dominant Relief Effort Closes the Door

The bullpen backed up Kershaw’s quality start with authority. Edgardo Henriquez, Justin Wrobleski, and Jack Dreyer combined to pitch three scoreless innings, striking out seven Orioles batters.

Their command and velocity kept Baltimore from mounting any kind of comeback. That’s the kind of relief work you want to see in a tight game.

Dodgers Regain Momentum in Tight NL West Race

This win mattered for more than just ending a skid. By taking down the Orioles, Los Angeles stretched its lead in the National League West to 1 1/2 games over their closest rivals.

Every victory counts now, with less than a month left before the postseason. The Dodgers are hustling for another division title, and honestly, you can feel the urgency in every at-bat.

Looking Ahead: Rockies Visit Chavez Ravine

The Dodgers are heading back home for a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies at Chavez Ravine. Their offense looks lively again, and the pitching staff’s firing on all cylinders.

This series feels like a real shot to grab some momentum and maybe widen that division lead just a bit more.

• Shohei Ohtani: 2 HR, 2 RBI, tied franchise record for leadoff homers in a season
• Mookie Betts: 1 HR, 2 RBI, 16th home run of the season
• Clayton Kershaw: 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 8 K, 10th win of 2024
• Dodgers Bullpen: 3 IP, 0 ER, 7 K

Ohtani keeps chasing home run history, and Betts just doesn’t let up. Kershaw, somehow, still looks sharp deep into the season.

The Dodgers have the kind of star power and depth that makes you wonder just how far they can go this year.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers back in the win column behind the combined forces of Ohtani and Kershaw