Ohtani Dominates Trout and Returns to Anaheim with the Dodgers: Game Recap

Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound at Angel Stadium, pitching for 4.1 innings with five hits and four runs allowed for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was his first pitching appearance in Anaheim since he left the Los Angeles Angels almost two years ago. Ohtani put on a complete show for his former fans, achieving seven strikeouts. Among them, he struck out Mike Trout twice, including a 101 mph pitch in the fourth inning, his fastest pitch of the night. In addition to his work on the mound, Ohtani also shone on offense, hitting a triple and scoring a run as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter. This happened before he even went up to the mound, delighting Angels fans with the same skills he demonstrated during his six seasons on the team. His presentation as a pitcher was the most extensive since he resumed this function two months ago, although he failed to finish it strongly. He allowed three consecutive hits with one out in the fifth inning, leaving the game after a double by Zach Neto that reduced the Dodgers’ lead to 5-4. Anthony Banda managed to get out of the predicament, but only after the Angels loaded the bases. Ohtani also gave up a home run to Taylor Ward during the second inning, in which the Angels scored two runs. Previously, he showed strength in the following two innings before being relieved. Ohtani is still very loved in Anaheim by the fans, who for the most part do not blame him for leaving a team that could not build a winning team around him for six consecutive seasons. The MVP, who won two of his trophies with the Angels, has received ovations every time he returns to the Big A. The fans were focused on the main matchup: Trout and Ohtani greeted each other with gestures and smiles, and Ohtani finished his first inning by striking out Trout with a sweeper. The former teammates hadn’t faced each other since Ohtani struck out Trout in Tokyo to finish the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani was even more forceful against Trout in their second encounter, starting with a 73 mph curveball before striking him out with his fast fastball. In addition to Trout, Ohtani met many familiar faces on Wednesday: seven of the nine starting Angels hitters played with him in Anaheim.

Ohtani hadn’t been on the mound at the Big A since August 23, 2023, when he left a game against Cincinnati in the second inning due to elbow pain, which later revealed a ligament tear. The resulting surgery prevented him from pitching in 2024, after signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Since he relaunched two months ago, the Dodgers have gradually increased his at-bats, maintaining his daily role as designated hitter and leadoff hitter. Before returning to the mound, Ohtani hit home runs in the first two games of the series, although he was also part of a triple play on Tuesday. After receiving a warm welcome, Ohtani hit a Kyle Hendricks pitch into right field for a triple, and quickly scored thanks to a single by Betts. Will Smith added his 15th home run shortly after to give his pitcher a 3-0 lead. Ward connected on a 97 mph pitch from Ohtani for his 29th home run, the second allowed by Ohtani this season. Yoán Moncada then doubled and scored after two fly balls. Ohtani struck out at the plate in the second inning, but received a walk in the fourth, loading the bases and forcing Hendricks to leave the game. The Angels reliever, Andrew Chafin, struck out Ohtani with a slider when the batter came up again in the sixth inning.