Shohei Ohtani hits 35th home run and holds Minnesota Twins to one run in another two-way performance

Shohei Ohtani once again demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of baseball’s exceptional talents. In a game versus the Minnesota Twins, Ohtani delivered three impressive innings, allowing just one run, and hit his 35th home run of the season, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win.

This victory was crucial for the Dodgers, breaking a disappointing six-game home losing streak—their longest at home since 2017—and giving fans a reason to cheer after a challenging period.

Shohei Ohtani shakes off Byron Buxton’s leadoff blast to deliver three dominant innings

The Dodgers had been on a rough patch at home, suffering six consecutive losses at Dodger Stadium since their last win on July 3. This slump was taking a toll on both the team and the fans, who were longing for a turnaround. Going up against the Twins, who were 1-3 on their road trip, the Dodgers turned to their two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani, to help them get back on track.

Ohtani, who just had Tommy John revision surgery in 2023, has been proving the naysayers wrong all season with his outstanding performances on the mound and at the plate.

Ohtani stepped up as the starting pitcher, but things didn’t start off smoothly. On his second pitch, Byron Buxton, the center fielder for the Twins, hit a massive 410-foot home run to left field, putting Minnesota ahead 1-0 right away.

This marked Buxton’s 23rd homer of the season and was the first one Ohtani had given up in his six starts since coming back from surgery.

"He got me early," Ohtani told reporters in the press room at Dodger Stadium after the game, “but I knew I had to settle down and give us a chance.”

In the following three innings, Ohtani restricted the Twins to just three additional hits and one walk, striking out three in the process. He threw 52 pitches, skillfully mixing his fastball and breaking pitches to keep the Twins’ hitters off their game. His final numbers: one run allowed on four hits, boasting a 1.50 ERA through 12 innings pitched this season.

It was a courageous effort, particularly given that he’s still in the process of regaining his arm strength post-surgery.

Will Smith delivers two clutch home runs to lead Los Angeles Dodgers offense

Shohei Ohtani wasn't the only player swinging a hot bat. Catcher Will Smith really stepped up, hitting two home runs to help clinch the win. His first came in the fourth inning, a solo shot off Festa that made it 3-1. Then, in the sixth, he hit another one, increasing the lead to 4-1. Smith's two homers brought his season total to 14, and he's been a consistent performer behind the plate and at the plate all year long.

Outfielder Andy Pages got in on the action during the seventh inning, smashing his 18th home run of the season—a solo blast that pushed the Dodgers’ lead to 5-1. This was Pages’ first homer since July 2, and it arrived just when the Dodgers needed it to create some space.

Dave Roberts praises Dustin May for stepping up after Shohei Ohtani’s short start

Following Ohtani's three innings, righty Dustin May stepped in and was phenomenal. He threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings, fanning four batters and silencing the Twins' offense.

“Dustin was huge for us tonight,” In the postgame press conference, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, "He continued from where Shohei stopped and provided us with an opportunity to win."

In the ninth, the Twins turned up the heat. They managed to get two runners on with one out against Dodgers closer Tanner Scott. But then Scott exited the game with an undisclosed injury, and Kirby Yates took over.

Yates walked Ryan Jeffers, loading the bases, and Kody Clemens followed up with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring a run to bring the score to 5-2. With the tying run at the plate, Carlos Correa hit a fly ball to the center-field wall, and Yates wrapped up the game with his third save of the season.Also Read: Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte’s Scottsdale home burglarized while he played in MLB All-Star GameThis wasn’t just another victory for the Dodgers, it was a vital lifeline. Ending their six-game home losing streak provided a significant morale boost, especially with Ohtani leading the way. "Shohei is an exceptional player," Roberts mentioned to reporters earlier this season, as referenced by Juan Toribio. That comment held true on this night, as Ohtani’s remarkable performance changed the game.

FAQs

How long did Shohei Ohtani pitch in the game?

Ohtani pitched three innings before being relieved.

Who replaced Tanner Scott in the ninth inning?

Kirby Yates came in to close after Scott left with an injury.

Who hit the sacrifice fly for the Minnesota Twins?

Kody Clemens hit a sac fly to center field, scoring one run.