Ohtani and Smith Power Dodgers Past Reeling Mets 10-3 for Three-Game Sweep
In a display of offensive prowess, Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 10-3 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday, completing a dominant three-game sweep. The Dodgers’ victory underscored their resurgence and exacerbated the Mets’ recent struggles, highlighting both teams’ contrasting fortunes.
Ohtani, the two-way superstar, was instrumental in the Dodgers’ win, driving in three runs, including a pivotal two-run homer in the eighth inning. Smith, the Dodgers’ All-Star catcher, added to the Mets’ woes with two home runs, including a tiebreaking solo shot that sparked a six-run eighth inning.
Smith’s second homer off Adam Ottavino broke a 3-3 tie and ignited a Dodgers rally. This explosive inning was capped by Ohtani’s towering two-run drive, which followed contributions from Miguel Vargas and Miguel Rojas. Vargas’s bloop double brought in two runs, and Rojas added an RBI single, showcasing the depth of the Dodgers’ lineup.
“A lot of good things happened. A lot of good situational at-bats, two-strike hitting,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Just across the board up and down the line was really good to see. I thought we were just using the whole field better.”
The Dodgers’ offensive surge did not stop there. Jason Heyward delivered a pinch-hit triple in the eighth and followed it with a solo homer in the ninth, further demoralizing the Mets. Rojas matched a career high with four hits, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ 16-hit barrage.
Ohtani’s performance was particularly notable as he had been in a slump, hitting just .189 since his previous home run on May 17. His resurgence was a welcome sight for the Dodgers, who arrived in New York on a five-game losing streak but left with renewed momentum.
“We talked about it earlier today, and I just felt he was on his way as long as he’s swinging at good pitches,” Roberts added about Ohtani.
In contrast, the Mets’ bullpen once again faltered, leading to their latest collapse. Jorge López was ejected after arguing a checked swing call, culminating in a dramatic exit where he tossed his glove into the stands. This incident symbolized the Mets’ frustrations, as they have now lost 10 of their last 12 games and 15 of their last 19.
Following the game, the Mets held a players-only meeting, initiated by shortstop Francisco Lindor, to address their ongoing struggles. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo described the meeting as positive and constructive, emphasizing the need for unity and solutions.
“It’s no secret that things aren’t going the way that we want around here. And so we just opened the floor and talked about ways we can turn it around,” Nimmo said. “Just felt like a boiling-over point.”
The Mets also faced setbacks on the injury front. Struggling closer Edwin Díaz was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. In another blow, Pete Alonso exited the game in the first inning after being hit on the right hand by a 93 mph fastball from James Paxton. Although initial X-rays were normal, the Mets are awaiting results from a CT scan.
“Felt good to be back,” said Mets starter David Peterson, who made his season debut following left hip surgery. Despite his efforts, Peterson’s errant pickoff attempt contributed to the Dodgers’ scoring.
In brighter news for the Dodgers, closer Evan Phillips is expected to return from the injured list on Friday after a successful rehab outing, and the team looks forward to further recovery from Max Muncy.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will enjoy an off day before Walker Buehler takes the mound against the Colorado Rockies, while the Mets will hope for a turnaround as rookie Christian Scott faces Arizona in the opener of a four-game series.
