James Paxton delivers strong six innings, helps the Dodgers beat the visiting Reds

James Paxton performed exceptionally well, contributing six solid innings to aid the Los Angeles Dodgers in their victory against the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

In his initial month with the Dodgers, Paxton struggled with control, evidenced by his higher count of walks (22) compared to strikeouts (15) in his first five starts, covering 25 and two-thirds innings. However, Paxton’s delivery and command improved over time, culminating in back-to-back six-inning outings without issuing any walks.

During the game, Paxton allowed three earned runs and seven hits across six innings while striking out two batters, delivering 92 pitches before exiting the game after conceding a leadoff single in the seventh inning. The Dodgers capitalized on the momentum, breaking the 3-3 tie with two runs each in the seventh and eighth innings.

The pivotal seventh inning saw Kiké Hernández starting with a single, leading to subsequent events including Mookie Betts’ strikeout, Shohei Ohtani’s groundout, and a throwing error by Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. This error allowed Ohtani to advance to second, leading to intentional walks and ultimately an RBI single by Will Smith, extending the Dodgers’ lead.

In the eighth inning, Andy Pages initiated with a single, followed by Jason Heyward’s remarkable two-run homer, marking his return from the injured list and securing a comfortable lead for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers’ pitching trio of Michael Grove, Blake Treinen, and Daniel Hudson held the Reds scoreless in the latter innings, ensuring the Dodgers’ victory and snapping a two-game losing streak.

Moreover, the game witnessed an early lead for the Dodgers courtesy of a home run by Mookie Betts in the first inning. The team extended their lead to 3-0 in the third inning with a two-run homer by Shohei Ohtani.

Despite a smooth start, Paxton faced challenges in the fourth inning, but managed to escape without significant damage. However, the Reds narrowed the gap with solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, tying the score at 3-3.

Additionally, there was some controversy surrounding Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who underwent scrutiny for suspected use of sticky substances during a previous game. However, the umpires found no evidence of illegal substances on Glasnow’s hand, alleviating any concerns.

Overall, the Dodgers’ strong performance led them to a decisive victory against the Reds, showcasing their resilience and depth both on the mound and at the plate.