Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith Power Dodgers Past Opponent with Home Run Barrage but Tanner Scott Injury Casts a Shadow on Win
The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their offensive firepower in a 5-2 victory marked by long balls and timely pitching, but the celebration was dampened by an unfortunate injury to key reliever Tanner Scott. Shohei Ohtani launched a towering two-run home run to electrify the Dodger Stadium crowd, while catcher Will Smith continued his hot streak by belting two solo shots to fuel the offense. The win, though important for the standings and team morale, left fans and players holding their breath after Scott exited with an apparent injury late in the game.
As has been the case all season, Shohei Ohtani’s bat provided the spark when the Dodgers needed it most. In the third inning, with the game knotted at zero and a runner on base, Ohtani jumped on a hanging curveball and sent it into the right-field pavilion for his 29th home run of the season. The majestic shot, which had an exit velocity of 113.4 mph and traveled an estimated 428 feet, served as a reminder of why Ohtani remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. His ability to change the course of a game with a single swing is unparalleled, and his presence in the Dodgers’ lineup continues to tilt games in their favor.
Ohtani’s home run was not just a spectacle but also a momentum-shifter. Up until that moment, the opposing pitcher had cruised through the Dodgers’ lineup with relative ease. But Ohtani, with his signature calm and lethal approach at the plate, turned a scoreless affair into a Dodgers lead with one stroke. His discipline, pitch recognition, and raw power make him a nightmare for opposing pitchers and a constant source of excitement for fans.
But Ohtani wasn’t the only star of the night. Will Smith, who has quietly been one of the most consistent offensive catchers in the league, had a night to remember as he went deep twice—once in the fourth inning and again in the sixth. His first home run came on a fastball up in the zone, which he drove to left field with precision and authority. The second blast was even more impressive, as he adjusted mid-swing on a breaking pitch and sent it over the center-field wall.
Smith’s pair of solo homers not only padded the Dodgers’ lead but also underscored his importance to the team’s success. While players like Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts grab headlines, Smith often flies under the radar despite putting up All-Star caliber numbers. He’s not just a steady hand behind the plate but also a middle-of-the-order force who can carry the offense when needed. His pitch framing, game-calling, and leadership are invaluable, but his bat is what truly sets him apart from most catchers in today’s game.
With a 4-0 lead heading into the seventh inning, the Dodgers appeared to be in control. The starting pitcher had delivered a strong performance, going six shutout innings with six strikeouts and only allowing three hits. The defense was sharp, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. That’s when the game took a turn that could have long-term implications.
Tanner Scott, the Dodgers’ dependable left-handed reliever, was brought in to handle the seventh. Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, Scott has been one of the key bullpen pieces for manager Dave Roberts this season. However, after just four pitches into his outing, he grimaced on the mound and motioned to the dugout. Trainers quickly emerged, and Scott was removed from the game with what the team later described as “left forearm discomfort.”
The immediate concern for Scott was evident in the faces of teammates and coaches. Forearm discomfort in pitchers is often a red flag, potentially signaling elbow issues or worse. While nothing has been confirmed, the Dodgers will likely proceed with caution. Losing Scott for any period of time would be a blow to a bullpen already dealing with injuries and inconsistencies.
After Scott exited, the bullpen held firm. Another reliever came in and worked out of the inning despite allowing a two-run double that briefly allowed the opponent back into the game. With the score narrowed to 4-2, tension began to mount at Chavez Ravine. But in the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers struck again—this time without the need for a home run.
A leadoff double by Gavin Lux and a well-executed sacrifice bunt by Chris Taylor set the table for Mookie Betts, who delivered with a clutch single to right field to drive in an insurance run. Betts, always cool under pressure, came through in a moment that underscored why he remains one of the best all-around players in baseball. The Dodgers now had a 5-2 lead and turned the game over to their closer.
In the ninth, the Dodgers’ closer slammed the door with a clean inning—striking out two and inducing a ground ball to end the game. The win improved the Dodgers’ record to 64-38, keeping them atop the National League West and extending their home winning streak to six games.
Despite the positives, all postgame conversations focused on Scott. Manager Dave Roberts, in his media session, acknowledged the severity of the moment. “We’re hoping it’s nothing serious,” Roberts said. “Tanner has been huge for us this season, and any time a pitcher grabs his forearm, it’s cause for concern. We’ll know more after the MRI, but we’re staying optimistic.”
Scott has been an unsung hero in the Dodgers’ bullpen this year. Acquired in the offseason as part of a deal designed to bolster the left-handed depth, he quickly proved to be a vital piece in high-leverage situations. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters and get big strikeouts with runners on base has made him a go-to option for Roberts in tight games. If he misses time, it could force the Dodgers to consider trade options or rely more heavily on inexperienced arms.
The timing is particularly challenging. With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, the front office will have to make quick evaluations and perhaps pivot toward acquiring another reliever. The Dodgers have the prospect capital to swing a deal for a top-tier bullpen arm, and Scott’s injury may accelerate those conversations.
As for Ohtani and Smith, their performances were yet another reminder of how deep and talented this Dodgers roster is. Ohtani’s power, paired with Smith’s steady presence and ability to rise in big moments, makes the Dodgers’ lineup one of the most feared in baseball. The team has several offensive weapons, but when Ohtani and Smith are clicking together, the Dodgers are nearly impossible to beat.
Ohtani’s presence continues to impact not just games but the clubhouse culture. His professionalism, preparation, and daily impact inspire teammates and elevate expectations. Meanwhile, Smith’s quiet leadership and consistency anchor the team behind the plate and in the batter’s box.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will need to monitor Scott’s health closely while continuing their push toward October. The good news is that their offense seems to be heating up at the right time. With Ohtani in MVP form and Smith slugging like an All-Star, the Dodgers are finding ways to win even when setbacks occur.
In the grand scheme of a 162-game season, this game may appear to be just another July victory. But for those who watched it unfold, it told a deeper story—one of resilience, star power, and the constant balance between triumph and adversity in the world of baseball. The Dodgers walked away with the win, thanks to the bats of Ohtani and Smith, but their thoughts are with Tanner Scott and the hope that his injury is minor.
This is the essence of a championship chase: dealing with setbacks while continuing to find ways to win. The Dodgers have the talent, the depth, and the heart to weather the storm. As they await news on Scott, they’ll rely on their stars to carry them forward—and based on tonight’s performance, they’re in capable hands.
