Shohei Ohtani Pitches Only, Striking Out 10 in 6 Innings as Dodgers Sweep Mets
MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani started on the mound but did not hit, delivering a strong performance with 10 strikeouts and allowing only 1 run over 6 innings, leading his team to an 8-2 victory and a series sweep over the New York Mets.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 16:51
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 17:01 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 00:34 (55h 32m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Ho Hung-ju, Los Angeles, 15th) Major League Baseball (MLB) Japanese star Shohei Ohtani started on the mound tonight but did not step up to bat. He delivered an excellent pitching performance, striking out 10 batters and allowing only 1 run over 6 innings, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers rout the New York Mets 8-2. The Mets suffered an 8-game losing streak.
According to the Associated Press, Dalton Rushing, who filled in for Ohtani as the designated hitter, hit his first career grand slam off Mets closer Devin Williams in the bottom of the 8th inning. Kyle Tucker then followed up with a solo home run off Austin Warren with two outs, adding another run for the Dodgers to make the score 8-1. This was also Tucker's first home run at home since joining the team.
In the top of the 5th, Ohtani gave up an RBI double to MJ Melendez, allowing the Mets to cut the lead to 2-1, yet he still set a new MLB record for a Japanese starting pitcher with 33 consecutive unearned runs spanning across seasons. This was the first time Ohtani had allowed an earned run since facing the Cincinnati Reds on August 27 last year.
The last time Ohtani solely served as a starting pitcher without being placed in the starting batting lineup was on May 28, 2021, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani was hit on the right shoulder by Mets pitcher David Peterson on the 13th and was still experiencing some pain today, hence the arrangement for him to only pitch and not hit.
In this game, Ohtani recorded 10 strikeouts, a season-high for a Dodgers pitcher, including striking out Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor twice. When Ohtani struck out Lindor for the second time in the top of the 3rd with a 99-mph fastball, Lindor laughed on the spot, and Ohtani gave a wry smile.
Ohtani threw 95 pitches in total, 63 of which were strikes, and issued 2 walks. He left the game after striking out three batters in the 6th inning, inducing 22 swings and misses in a single game, setting a personal high since joining the Dodgers.
The Dodgers' season record improved to 14 wins and 4 losses. They completed a 3-game series sweep against the Mets at home, the first time doing so since June 19 to 22, 2017. (Translator: Ho Hung-ju) 1150416
(CNA Reporter Ho Hung-ju, Los Angeles, 15th) Major League Baseball (MLB) Japanese star Shohei Ohtani started on the mound tonight but did not step up to bat. He delivered an excellent pitching performance, striking out 10 batters and allowing only 1 run over 6 innings, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers rout the New York Mets 8-2. The Mets suffered an 8-game losing streak.
According to the Associated Press, Dalton Rushing, who filled in for Ohtani as the designated hitter, hit his first career grand slam off Mets closer Devin Williams in the bottom of the 8th inning. Kyle Tucker then followed up with a solo home run off Austin Warren with two outs, adding another run for the Dodgers to make the score 8-1. This was also Tucker's first home run at home since joining the team.
In the top of the 5th, Ohtani gave up an RBI double to MJ Melendez, allowing the Mets to cut the lead to 2-1, yet he still set a new MLB record for a Japanese starting pitcher with 33 consecutive unearned runs spanning across seasons. This was the first time Ohtani had allowed an earned run since facing the Cincinnati Reds on August 27 last year.
The last time Ohtani solely served as a starting pitcher without being placed in the starting batting lineup was on May 28, 2021, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani was hit on the right shoulder by Mets pitcher David Peterson on the 13th and was still experiencing some pain today, hence the arrangement for him to only pitch and not hit.
In this game, Ohtani recorded 10 strikeouts, a season-high for a Dodgers pitcher, including striking out Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor twice. When Ohtani struck out Lindor for the second time in the top of the 3rd with a 99-mph fastball, Lindor laughed on the spot, and Ohtani gave a wry smile.
Ohtani threw 95 pitches in total, 63 of which were strikes, and issued 2 walks. He left the game after striking out three batters in the 6th inning, inducing 22 swings and misses in a single game, setting a personal high since joining the Dodgers.
The Dodgers' season record improved to 14 wins and 4 losses. They completed a 3-game series sweep against the Mets at home, the first time doing so since June 19 to 22, 2017. (Translator: Ho Hung-ju) 1150416