Shohei Ohtani had a historic moment with the Dodgers as he made his first MLB postseason start
Although he started off with difficulties against the Philadelphia Phillies, the three-time MVP showed why he is one of the most versatile players in baseball.
With a dominant performance on the mound and offensive support from Teoscar Hernandez, the Dodgers struck the first blow in the National League Division Series.
Ohtani overcomes nerves in postseason debut
Shohei Ohtani’s pitching debut in the Major League Baseball playoffs was one of the most anticipated moments of the season and the Japanese ace did not disappoint. In Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, the Japanese faced a hostile environment and a powerful offense, but he knew how to impose his conditions and to start the postseason in Los Angeles on the right foot.
Ohtani had a rough start but recovered impressively, not allowing a hit in the next four innings and finishing his outing with six innings of work, three earned runs, three hits and nine strikeouts.
After the game, Shohei Ohtani admitted that it was not easy to face a scenario like this:
“I was a little nervous imagining myself there, on the mound,” he admitted through his interpreter Will Ireton. “But once I was on the field, the nerves went away and I was able to concentrate fully.”
Teoscar Hernandez and the Dodgers silence Philadelphia fans
Despite the hostile environment in Philadelphia, the Dodgers showed character and experience. Teoscar Hernandez emerged at the right moment with a three-run homer in the seventh inning, completely changing the course of the game and silencing the boisterous home crowd.
Veteran Max Muncy summed up the team’s feelings after the victory:
We knew something was going to blow the audience away, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is what happens at the end, and when we manage to silence the crowd, it’s an incredible feeling
The Los Angeles team managed to come from behind and secure the first game of the series, a crucial step in their defense of the World Series title.
With Ohtani showing his best form on the mound and a strong offensive lineup, Los Angeles are confirmed as one of the favorites for the title.
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