ANAHEIM, Calif. — In a thrilling yet bittersweet performance, Shohei Ohtani showcased his remarkable talent by racking up seven strikeouts and pitching into the fifth inning. The two-way superstar also made his mark at the plate, tripling, scoring, and reaching base twice. Despite his impressive efforts, Ohtani couldn’t prevent his team from sinking deeper into a losing streak in Anaheim. This narrative is all too familiar for Angels fans, and now it seems Dodgers fans are experiencing it as well.
Ohtani took the mound at Angel Stadium on Wednesday night, marking his return to the site after switching teams in Los Angeles’ crosstown rivalry. For six seasons, the three-time MVP struggled to turn the Angels into winners, despite his unprecedented abilities. Now, the defending champion Dodgers find themselves in an alarming slump, and Ohtani was unable to reverse their fortunes on this occasion, both from the mound and the batter’s box.
Ohtani began the game by tripling and subsequently scoring the Dodgers’ first run. He left the game with a 5-4 lead after pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four runs. Unfortunately, the Angels rallied late, sealing a 6-5 victory and completing a sweep of the six-game Freeway Series. This loss marked the Dodgers’ fourth consecutive defeat, pushing them a game behind the Padres in the NL West standings. Just weeks earlier, the Dodgers held a nine-game lead in the division on July 3, but they’ve since struggled with a record of 12-21.
“Obviously, it doesn’t feel good to fall into second place and to lose a lot of these games,” Ohtani stated through his interpreter. “We’re doing everything in our power, having meetings, doing everything that we can to try to right the ship. We just have to do a better job.”
Throughout the game, Ohtani faced challenges, including a home run by Taylor Ward and a two-run double from Zach Neto. However, he also struck out Mike Trout twice, showcasing his pitching prowess with a 101 mph fastball that impressed fans and players alike. Unfortunately, the Angels capitalized on his vulnerabilities, stringing together three consecutive hits that led to Ohtani's exit from the game.
“I just couldn’t finish off hitters in the fifth,” Ohtani admitted. “They did a good job putting balls in play, and that’s what happens. Next time I’ve got to do a better job.”
The Dodgers’ relief pitching faltered again, missing five key players on the injured list. Compounding their issues, the team failed to score after the fourth inning, despite their high-profile lineup. Logan O’Hoppe delivered a crucial bases-loaded, two-run single in the eighth inning, while longtime Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen confidently pitched the ninth. Ohtani ended the game by striking out in his last two at-bats, adding to the team’s frustrations.
“Doesn’t feel good to lose close games,” Ohtani reflected. “It’s tough mentally, but we have an off day tomorrow, so the plan is to regroup, refresh and get ready for the weekend.”
Despite the Dodgers' struggles, Ohtani remains a beloved figure in Anaheim. Fans largely understand his decision to leave a team that failed to create a winning roster during six consecutive losing seasons. The three-time MVP—two of those awards earned with the Angels—has consistently received cheers during his returns to the Big A, especially during these rivalry games against the Dodgers, where many in the crowd wear Dodger Blue.
During this showdown, both Ohtani and Trout acknowledged each other with nods and smiles. Their history includes memorable moments, such as Ohtani’s famous strikeout of Trout in Tokyo during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In this game, Ohtani demonstrated his competitive spirit, striking out Trout with a mix of pitches, including a 73 mph curve followed by that blazing fastball.
Ohtani hadn’t pitched at the Big A since August 23, 2023, when he left a game against Cincinnati due to elbow pain, later diagnosed as a torn ligament. After undergoing surgery, he missed the entire 2024 season following his signing of a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Since returning to the mound two months ago, the Dodgers have gradually built up his innings while maintaining his role as both their DH and leadoff hitter.
Before Wednesday’s game, Ohtani had homered in the first two matchups of the series, despite the unusual occurrence of lining into a triple play on Tuesday. He kicked off Wednesday’s game with an impressive triple off Kyle Hendricks, quickly scoring on Mookie Betts’ single. Unfortunately, the Dodgers’ hopes were dashed as Ward blasted a 97 mph fastball from Ohtani for his 29th homer, marking just the second home run allowed by Ohtani this season.
