The Los Angeles Dodgers may be going through an inconsistent period a few weeks before the end of the 2025 regular season. However, every hit counts and has allowed them to set records. On this occasion, the moment belonged to Shohei Ohtani, who by hitting home runs in his first two at-bats, equaled Mookie Betts’ record with the Dodgers of 12 long balls to open the inning in a single season, a standard that Betts set in 2023, according to Ian Quillen of MLB.com.
The Los Angeles batter/pitcher wasted no time and connected on the first pitch he saw from his compatriot Tomoyuki Sugano to center field for his 47th home run of the year. The blast not only gave the Angels an early lead, but also put Ohtani in a six-way tie for third place in MLB history with the most home runs to open the inning in a season. He is now second, only behind Kyle Schwarber’s 15 (2024) and Alfonso Soriano’s 13 (2003).
Shohei Ohtani returns to the 2025 Home Run Race
However, the day did not end there and his productivity put him back in the race to be the “2025 Home Run Champion”. Two innings later, Ohtani hit another home run, his 48th of the season and his 23rd multi-homer game of his career. Betts immediately followed with a solo homer, his second of the series, to put the Dodgers up 3-0. The Dodgers’ three home runs were off Sugano, who exited in the fourth inning after being hit in the foot by a Hyeseong Kim line drive.
Shohei Ohtani reached base in all five of his plate appearances, going 2-for-2 with two home runs, three walks and three runs scored. This game also marked the first time this season he has reached base five times. His 96 walks tie his personal best. Against Sugano, in particular, Ohtani is a perfect 4-for-4 in his career, including previous matchups in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Clayton Kershaw’s great work helps Dodgers to victory
Clayton Kershaw had an excellent game on the mound, striking out eight and allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings. The 37-year-old improved to 10-2 and won his sixth straight decision. Surprisingly, it was the first time in his 18-year career that he faced the Orioles, leaving Boston as the only team he has yet to defeat. Kershaw is now 8-1 in 12 starts after the Dodgers’ losses this season, with Los Angeles winning nine of those games.
The Dodgers’ bullpen took care of the rest. Rookie Justin Wrobleski struck out five consecutive batters in two scoreless innings, while Jack Dreyer closed out the game for his third save. Baltimore came into the game on a five-game winning streak, but only scored two runs in the sixth inning after Kershaw’s departure. The Orioles had opportunities late, but Wrobleski and Dreyer thwarted them.
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