MLB roundup: Shohei Ohtani hits HR and steals base in win over Cubs

Shohei Ohtani (30) initiated the scoring with one of the four home runs hit by the Dodgers in the first inning, while Tommy Edman (29) contributed two home runs during the game, leading the host Los Angeles to a 10-8 triumph over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

In a remarkable first inning, Edman, Will Smith, and Max Muncy each hit home runs in succession against left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks, enabling the first-place Dodgers to avert a three-game sweep by the Cubs. Notably, Edman achieved the feat of hitting one home run from both sides of the plate.

Ohtani, who also recorded a stolen base, now boasts a total of 47 home runs and 48 stolen bases, positioning himself to potentially achieve the first 50-50 season in Major League Baseball history.

The Cubs (75-71) managed to equalize the score at 7-7 in the fifth inning, with Cody Bellinger delivering a pivotal three-run homer. However, the Dodgers (87-59) regained the lead with a crucial hit from Gavin Lux in the seventh inning off Shawn Armstrong (3-3).

Mets 6, Blue Jays 2
Francisco Lindor broke up Bowden Francis's no-hitter with a leadoff home run, sparking a remarkable six-run ninth inning that led the visiting New York team to victory over Toronto.

In this explosive ninth inning, Francisco Alvarez contributed a three-run homer, securing the Mets' triumph in the decisive game of the three-game series against the Blue Jays.

This marked the second occasion in four starts that Francis surrendered a no-hitter due to a leadoff homer in the ninth inning. The only no-hitter in Blue Jays history was thrown by Dave Stieb against Cleveland on September 2, 1990.

Mariners 5, Padres 2
Bryan Woo carried a perfect game into the seventh inning as Seattle triumphed over the visiting San Diego team.

The Mariners achieved their fifth victory in seven games, narrowing the gap to 3.5 games behind division-leading Houston in the American League West.

Woo's bid for a perfect game, no-hitter, and shutout was interrupted when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a 1-0 fastball just inside the left field foul pole with one out in the seventh inning. Woo (8-2) ultimately allowed two runs on two hits over 6 2/3 innings.

Tatis also homered for the Padres, who have now lost four of their last six games, falling a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League wild-card standings. Padres starter Michael King (12-9) pitched five innings, yielding three runs—one of which was earned—on four hits.

Phillies 3, Rays 2
Following an incident the previous night where he was hit by a pitch, Nick Castellanos sought retribution against Tampa Bay by hitting a two-run homer and later scoring the decisive run, leading host Philadelphia to complete a three-game sweep.

Zack Wheeler (15-6) delivered six strong innings for Philadelphia (88-58), marking his third consecutive victory. The majority of the damage against him came from Jonathan Aranda, who recorded both a double and a home run for the Rays (71-75).

With the game tied at 2-2, the Phillies orchestrated a two-out rally in the sixth inning against Drew Rasmussen (0-1). Castellanos drew a walk and moved to third base following a hit by Brandon Marsh.

Subsequently, Weston Wilson connected with a slow roller that found a gap on the left side, resulting in an infield single and enabling Castellanos to cross home plate.