LOS ANGELES — Max Muncy’s three-run double powered a five-run fifth inning, and Shohei Ohtani stole his 39th base of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-4 on Wednesday night, securing a three-game sweep.
Ohtani is now just one stolen base and one home run away from becoming the fastest player in MLB history to achieve the 40-40 milestone. If he reaches it, he’ll be the first player in Dodgers history to do so.
The Dodgers, leaders of the NL West, outscored the Mariners 17-7 in this interleague series and extended their winning streak over Seattle to 10 games. This latest win also marked the Dodgers’ fourth consecutive victory, widening their lead over Arizona and San Diego to four games.
Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty (10-5) pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, striking out five, and walking one.
The Mariners, on the other hand, continue to struggle, having lost three in a row and eight of their last nine games. Their recent road trip, which included stops in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and L.A., ended with a disappointing 1-8 record.
The Dodgers broke the game open in the fifth inning, stretching their lead to 8-1. Freddie Freeman’s RBI double brought in Ohtani, who had singled, stolen second, and advanced to third on a wild pitch by Logan Gilbert. Freeman then scored on an RBI single by Hernández, who advanced to third on another wild pitch by Gilbert. Muncy followed with a three-run double into the right-field corner.
Gilbert (7-10) started strong, retiring the first six Dodgers, but then struggled, giving up eight runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked two, with three wild pitches contributing to the Dodgers’ scoring.
Will Smith’s sacrifice fly to deep center in the fourth inning extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1. Earlier, Mookie Betts had driven in two runs with a double to left field, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead after Kevin Kiermaier reached on a fielding error, and Ohtani walked and scored from first.
The Mariners initially led 1-0 in the second inning after Dominic Canzone’s sacrifice fly brought in Randy Arozarena, who had been hit by a pitch and stole second. Tensions briefly flared when Arozarena exchanged words with Flaherty after being hit, but the situation was quickly defused by the umpires.
The Dodgers’ bullpen held firm after Flaherty’s exit, preserving the lead despite a late Mariners rally.
TRAINER’S ROOM
- Mariners: OF Victor Robles (hip flexor strain) sat out after colliding with the center-field wall on Tuesday. He’ll be re-evaluated on Thursday.
- Dodgers: INF Miguel Rojas was rested due to a left hamstring issue but is expected back on Friday. RHP Blake Treinen was activated after missing 14 games with right hip discomfort.
UP NEXT
- Mariners: After an off day on Thursday, RHP Luis Castillo (10-12, 3.51 ERA) will start on Friday against the San Francisco Giants.
- Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (1-3, 8.02 ERA) is set to start on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays following the team’s off day.
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