Ohtani Resurrects Dodgers with Two-Run Homer: Crucial Victory Against Orioles

After a painful defeat that extended their losing streak to five games, the Los Angeles Dodgers urgently needed a spark at the end of a disastrous trip to the East Coast. Shohei Ohtani responded immediately, connecting the second pitch of Sunday’s game against the Orioles into the right field stands. The Dodgers’ star leadoff hitter added another solo home run in the third inning, adding his 48th home run of the season, which was enough to propel Los Angeles to a much-needed 5-2 victory.

Obviously, Shohei starting the game with a home run was huge. You could see the life in the dugout.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

Less than 24 hours earlier, Dodgers’ opener Yoshinobu Yamamoto was one out away from throwing a no-hitter before Jackson Holliday hit a home run that ignited a four-run ninth inning, resulting in a 4-3 loss for Los Angeles. So, a trip that began with three consecutive losses against Pittsburgh, the last place in the league, had turned into a five-game streak, including two setbacks in the ninth inning.

We don’t lose much around here. It’s not something you get used to, but when it happens, baseball isn’t that fun.

Clayton Kershaw

The Dodgers desperately needed a win on Sunday, and they got it, with Ohtani setting the pace from the start.

Every time you get on the board early, it’s huge. It’s a good reset from last night too, a quick 1-0 lead for us. That was good.

Clayton Kershaw

Now, the Dodgers return home still in first place in the National League West. Ohtani played a crucial role, also receiving three walks, but Mookie Betts hit a home run and Kershaw did his part by winning his sixth consecutive decision.

It was great. Shohei was on base five times and Mookie has been hitting very well. Overall, I liked the energy and I liked the way we played. Even the guys at the bottom of the lineup did their job today.

Dave Roberts

This made the trip back to Los Angeles much more bearable.

It’s not a surprise how we responded. There was no panic. Our guys weren’t down. We were kind of animated, looking forward to playing a game and winning a game. That indicates we still have confidence in the clubhouse.

Dave Roberts

With a smile, Roberts added: “It speaks to the character and, certainly, when you have Shohei and Mookie doing what they’re doing, that helps too.”