Ohtani Shines, but the Dodgers Fall to the Cardinals
In a bittersweet day for the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani delivered a dominant performance on the mound, but the team suffered a defeat against the Cardinals. Despite Ohtani’s individual efforts, defensive errors and a lack of effectiveness in the bullpen cost the Dodgers dearly. Ohtani, in his best start of the season, pitched four solid innings, striking out eight batters. In addition, he hit his home run number 39, recording his 1,000th career hit. However, the joy of the individual achievement was marred by the team’s defeat. The score, which favored the Dodgers with a two-run lead in the last four innings, turned into a 5-3 defeat. Defensive errors, an ineffective offense, and the bullpen’s inconsistent performance were key factors in the downfall.Ohtani, after overcoming the physical discomfort that forced him to abandon his previous start, demonstrated his excellent form. He allowed only two runners on base and, in the bottom of the inning, hit a two-run home run, reaching the milestone of 1,000 hits, becoming the third Japanese-born player to achieve it. In his fourth inning, Ohtani struck out all the batters, lowering his ERA to 2.37. In his eight starts since his return from surgery, Ohtani averaged a velocity of 98.7 mph with his fastball, reaching 100 mph on six occasions.“Pretty frustrating. But we have to move on.”
Miguel Rojas, Dodgers Player
The Dodgers, with a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning, suffered a series of errors that cost them the game. A single by Jordan Walker tied the game, and an error on Andy Pages’ throw allowed Walker to advance to second base. A wild pitch by Freeland allowed the Cardinals to take the lead. The Cardinals added another run in the ninth inning, and although the Dodgers had the opportunity to tie the game, Freeland was dominated, which sealed the defeat and the loss of the series against the Cardinals. Despite Ohtani’s great performance, errors in the bullpen and defense, along with the lack of offensive production, were decisive in the Dodgers’ defeat.“I think it was a great day for me personally, to get to the fourth inning and pitch. I think that was really good in terms of building where I am.”
Shohei Ohtani
