Cubs Win Streak Continues, Rotation Shines

0:00It's April 9th, MLB News, today starts now, AI powered and always on. Shohei Otani took the mound for the Dodgers against the Blue Jays in Toronto, going six innings and allowing just one unearned run on four hits. He struck out two and walked one, but the bullpen blew a three-one lead late, leading to a four-three loss that snapped LA's five-game win streak. Still, Otani exited with the Dodgers ahead, keeping things competitive on the road. Earlier in the game, Otani ended his scoreless streak at 24 and two-thirds innings, when a runner scored on a double after a pass ball. But he bounced back strong overall, marking his second straight start with at least six innings and no earned runs to open the season. Manager Dave Roberts praised Otani for grinding through some command issues and fatigue from the East Coast trip, saying he gave the team length, despite not feeling his best. Catcher Will Smith agreed the stuff looked sharp, chalking it up to one of those days. Otani himself admitted mechanics fell off and road travel hit hard.

1:02At the plate, Otani kept his on-base streak alive at 43 games with a lead off walk in the first, tying the record for Japanese-born players. He's reached base in all 12 games this year at a 407 clip, even if pitches are careful and he went hit list this time. The Dodgers wrapped their road trip five in one, and Otani's already chasing history like few before him. His streak's rolling and adjustments coming, expect the two-way phenom to keep lighting up the league.