LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani showcased his exceptional talent with a powerful swing that resulted in a game-tying three-run homer during Saturday’s National League Division Series opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. This moment came in the second inning, and for a brief instant, Ohtani savored the atmosphere before sprinting up the first-base line.
“I could really feel the intensity of the stadium before the game began,” Ohtani remarked through an interpreter. “I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Ohtani’s performance lived up to the significant expectations surrounding his postseason debut, contributing to an electrifying game that saw the Dodgers secure a 7-5 victory in front of a sold-out crowd. The match was marked by numerous lead changes, early runs, strong defensive plays, and critical mistakes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The first significant spark of the game was ignited by Ohtani himself. “I don’t even try to explain him anymore,” Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen said. “Just watch and enjoy.” Ohtani clobbered a 118 mph line drive to right field on a fastball from Padres pitcher Dylan Cease, just after Manny Machado had put San Diego ahead with a two-run home run.
After the Padres reclaimed the lead in the third inning with a two-run double from Xander Bogaerts, the Dodgers responded. They loaded the bases in the fourth inning and managed to take the lead thanks to a wild pitch and a two-run single from Teoscar Hernandez.
With starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggling, the Dodgers’ bullpen stepped up, delivering six scoreless innings through Ryan Brasier, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Treinen. They allowed only two hits, despite issuing four walks.
As the game approached its conclusion, the Padres threatened in the ninth inning, placing runners on first and second with two outs. Machado, who had earlier made a costly error, stepped up to bat. Treinen closed the game decisively with a sweeping pitch that struck out Machado, securing the victory.
“I talked about this for a few weeks: We need to fight,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “And that’s what we did tonight.”
The Dodgers were looking to overcome past playoff disappointments, having been eliminated in the NLDS the previous two years despite being top contenders. This year, they aimed to gain an edge over a healthier and stronger Padres team, and they found that boost in various players during Game 1.
Key contributions came from Treinen, who executed five outs for the first time this season, and veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas, who made a critical catch while playing through an injury. Gavin Lux also made a crucial catch in the ninth inning, while Freddie Freeman added two hits and even stole a base, defying expectations after recently spraining his ankle.
“I was told there was a 1 percent chance that Freddie was going to be able to play,” stated Max Muncy, who was prepared to step in for Freeman. “I didn’t believe that.”
Freeman had endured an ankle sprain on September 26, and after a week of treatment, he expressed confidence prior to the game, despite feeling sore that morning. After rigorous pre-game preparations, he managed to play, surprising many with his performance.
Ohtani’s remarkable abilities have been on full display in recent weeks, culminating in a standout game on September 19, when he went 6-for-6, hitting three home runs and driving in 10 runs, which secured his first playoff berth. His impressive finish to the regular season included a .577 batting average with runners in scoring position during September.
Ohtani’s contributions in this playoff game further underscored his ability to perform under pressure. With his second-inning home run, he joined an elite group of players who have made an immediate impact in their postseason debuts.
“He injected an absolute lightning bolt into the stadium,” Muncy noted. “And from then on it was like, ‘All right, we got this. We’re good.’”