Ohtani Shines in Return to Mound, Dodgers Extend Win Streak

Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited pitching debut for the Dodgers this week, and the two-way superstar didn’t disappoint—contributing both on the mound and at the plate in a 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited pitching debut for the Dodgers this week, and the two-way superstar didn’t disappoint—contributing both on the mound and at the plate in a 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani allowed a first-inning run on a sacrifice fly by Manny Machado but settled in quickly. He threw 28 pitches in the opening frame, averaging 96.8 mph on his fastball—his first start since undergoing elbow surgery 21 months ago. It was his first pitching appearance since August 2023, when he was still with the Angels.

Anthony Banda took over in the second inning, and Ben Casparius (5-1) earned the win with 3 2/3 innings of relief. Kirby Yates closed it out with a perfect ninth for his second save.

At the plate, Ohtani tied the game in the third inning with an RBI double and later drove in another run during a five-run fourth. He finished with two hits, two RBIs, a walk, and two strikeouts.

“I thought it was great. He made some really good pitches—it was a positive start,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Today it didn’t affect his offense. Tomorrow will be telling as far as fatigue.”

Dustin May gets win over Giants

Tensions Rise in Game Two

The following night, emotions ran high. In the first inning, both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ohtani were hit by pitches, prompting umpires to issue warnings. Dodgers reliever Lou Trivino hit Tatis, and Padres starter Randy Vásquez plunked Ohtani in the leg.

Roberts was ejected after arguing the warning call. “All I wanted was an explanation,” he said. “Everything was over the previous night. Everyone knew he was thrown at intentionally—just own up to it and we move on.”

Despite the flare-up, the Dodgers pulled off an 8-6 win. Will Smith broke a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning with a 12-pitch at-bat that ended in a two-run homer—just the fifth such feat by a Dodger since pitch tracking began in 1988.

Andy Pages went 4-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs, including a blast during the Dodgers’ five-run sixth. “He was fun to watch,” said Smith. “He’s been great all year.” Pages is hitting .313 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 21 games since May 24.

Ohtani’s Star Power Boosts Ratings

Ohtani’s return helped make Monday’s game the most-watched in MLB TV history, according to league data, surpassing the previous record by 28%.

Dodgers Stay Hot

The Dodgers extended their win streak to four games, including a series victory over the Giants last weekend. Ohtani hit two homers in an 11-5 win—ending a 10-game drought—and Clayton Kershaw delivered a vintage performance with seven scoreless innings.

In the series finale, Andy Pages hit a three-run homer, and Ohtani had three hits and two runs scored in a 5-4 win. Dustin May (4-4) picked up the win, and Tanner Scott struck out the side in the ninth for his 13th save.