Varland Strikes Out Ohtani, Honors Late Mom

On April 5th, in the Dodgers' 10-5 win over the Nationals on Saturday,

reliever Gus Barlin struck out Shohei Otani on just three pitches in, the 7th.

The third year pitcher got the two-time MVP swinging at Sliders low and inside,

even with L.A. of big at 10-2.

Earlier this week, Barlin and Otani were briefly teammates on the Dodgers in 2024.

Barlin got waived after seven games because his mom was battling cancer,

and he and his brother couldn't cover the treatment costs.

Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts shared the backstory last December,

calling Otani's help a very big contribution that touched everyone.

Roberts even ran into Barlin's mom during the World Series and learned her cancer was gone.

Barlin doubled down in the series, retiring Otani on three pitches again Friday,

with high 90 spas balls in their 13-6 win.

That six pitches total for two quickouts against the $700 million star.

Barlin's no doubt feeling extra gratitude beyond the mound,

knowing Otani stepped up big when his family needed it most.

That's your Washington Nationals News Today update, AI-powered and always on.