The Los Angeles Dodgers launched into their Shohei Ohtani era with a remarkable victory on a night filled with first-time moments.
Ohtani’s clutch RBI single sealed a stunning four-run eighth-inning surge in his debut for the Dodgers, propelling Los Angeles to a thrilling 5-2 triumph over the San Diego Padres in the major league opener, marking the sport’s inaugural game in South Korea.
“Just a stellar night overall for Shohei,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “In the grand scheme, having such a transcendent talent on our team is significant, especially in a major market like Los Angeles. All eyes are now on the Dodgers and Major League Baseball.”
The game’s momentum shifted when a routine grounder slipped through the glove of Padres’ first baseman Jake Cronenworth, allowing the decisive run to cross the plate.
Ohtani, going 2 for 5 with an RBI, showcased his prowess in his first game since joining the Dodgers with a historic $700 million, 10-year contract after departing from the Los Angeles Angels. A crowd of 15,952 eagerly witnessed the spectacle at the Gocheok Sky Dome.
The two-way phenom, currently limited to batting due to elbow surgery, also experienced a lapse in judgment, resulting in the final out of the eighth inning. He was called out for passing second base and failing to retouch the bag while retreating during Freddie Freeman’s flyout, leading to an inning-ending double play.
Despite a pregame bomb threat, which authorities later dismissed, the match proceeded without disruption. Padres pitchers issued nine walks and hit a batter, while the Dodgers managed seven hits, all singles.
San Diego held a narrow 2-1 lead heading into the eighth inning when Max Muncy initiated the rally with a walk. Teoscar Hernández, also making his Dodgers debut, followed with a crucial single. Subsequent walks and a sacrifice fly leveled the score before Cronenworth’s unfortunate error allowed the go-ahead run.
Betts and Ohtani then sealed the victory with RBI singles. Betts, Ohtani, and Freeman made history as the first MVPs to bat consecutively in a lineup since 1993, contributing to a successful outing for the Dodgers.
Daniel Hudson claimed the win with a stellar seventh inning, while Evan Phillips secured the save with a flawless ninth inning, clinching the Dodgers’ sixth consecutive opening-day victory over the Padres.
Amidst the cheering crowd, Ohtani notched his first hit with the Dodgers, a blistering 112.3 mph single against Yu Darvish. The game was marked by various noteworthy moments, including Xander Bogaerts’ historic hit and a solid performance from Tyler Glasnow, who recently joined the Dodgers.
It was an electrifying start to the season for the Dodgers, igniting excitement and anticipation for the games to come.
