Alex Vesia Delivers One-Pitch Strikeout Amidst Bullpen Struggles for Dodgers

Alex Vesia, arguably the Los Angeles Dodgers' most consistent reliever this season, showcased a mixed performance in the NL Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds. In Game 1, he, Edgardo Henriquez, and Jack Dreyer collectively struggled, yielding two hits, four walks, and three runs after entering with a 10-2 lead, throwing a combined 59 pitches—the most in a single MLB postseason inning since tracking began. However, in Game 2 of the 8-4 victory, Vesia was summoned mid-plate appearance in the eighth inning to replace Emmet Sheehan, inheriting a 1-2 count on pinch-hitter Miguel Andujar. He then executed a rare one-pitch strikeout with a high fastball past Andujar. Despite walking Matt McLain, Vesia rebounded to strike out TJ Friedl, escaping a bases-loaded jam, as the Dodgers advanced to the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.