Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) achieved multiple hits, including a home run, leading to a victory in the home opener.
On the 28th (Korean time), Ohtani hit a solo home run in the 7th inning during the home game against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. It was his first home run in nine days since he hit one in the second game of the Tokyo series against the Chicago Cubs on the 19th.
Batting as the designated hitter in the 1st position, Ohtani grounded out to first base in the 1st inning but reached first base for the first time with an infield single after two outs in the 3rd inning. He got on base again with an infield ground ball in the 5th, scoring on Teoscar Hernández's three-run homer.
With the Dodgers leading 4-3, Ohtani stepped up to the plate with two outs and no runners on in the 7th inning. After a full count, he hit the sixth pitch into the left field stands. On the day, Ohtani had two hits (one home run), one RBI, and two runs scored in four at-bats.
Meanwhile, the game ended in a 5-4 victory for the Dodgers. The Dodgers' starting lineup included Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, Freddie Freeman, Tommy Edman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, and Andy Pahó. Blake Snell took the mound as the starting pitcher.
Detroit lined up with Andy Ibáñez, Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Manuel Margot, Colt Keith, Javier Báez, Jake Rogers, and Ryan Kreidler. The starting pitcher was Tarik Skubal.
The Dodgers seized the initiative in the 2nd inning when Tommy Edman hit a solo shot to left field with one out. In the 4th inning, Detroit loaded the bases with two walks and a hit, tying the game at 1-1 on a wild pitch.
Again loading the bases in the 5th inning, Detroit took the lead 2-1 on a sacrifice fly from Manuel Margot. The Dodgers turned the game around in the bottom of the 5th with Teoscar Hernández's three-run homer to lead 4-2.
In the 7th, Detroit's Spencer Torkelson hit a solo homer to left, closing the gap. In the same inning, after two outs, Ohtani hit a one-run homer to left, increasing the Dodgers' lead to 5-3.
Detroit put pressure on the Dodgers with a sacrifice bunt in the 8th, closing the gap to one run, but no dramatic moments occurred.
Blake Snell, starting for the Dodgers, achieved his first win of the season with 5 innings pitched, allowing 5 hits, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs. Ohtani recorded two hits, including a home run, and scored two runs, while Teoscar Hernández hit a three-run homer and Tommy Edman slammed a solo homer.
On the other hand, Detroit's starting pitcher Tarik Skubal struggled, going 5 innings, allowing 6 hits (2 home runs), 1 walk, 2 strikeouts, and 4 earned runs.
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