LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani made a significant impact in his postseason debut by launching a thrilling three-run homer in the second inning, tying the game for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. Before running the bases, Ohtani took a moment to relish the electric atmosphere at Dodger Stadium.
“I could really feel the intensity of the stadium before the game began,” Ohtani shared through an interpreter, expressing his enjoyment of the moment.
The game lived up to the expectations as the Dodgers ultimately triumphed 7-5 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series in front of a packed crowd. The match featured several lead changes, early scoring, defensive highlights, and moments of tension, creating a captivating experience for fans.
Ohtani’s powerful hit came following a two-run homer by Manny Machado, which had initially given the Padres a three-run lead. After San Diego regained the lead with a two-run double by Xander Bogaerts in the third inning, the Dodgers responded in the fourth with a wild pitch and a two-run single from Teoscar Hernandez that put them ahead.
The Dodgers’ bullpen, which had been a concern due to starting pitching struggles, stepped up significantly. Ryan Brasier, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Blake Treinen collectively shut out the Padres over six innings, despite walking four and allowing two hits.
In a tense final inning, Treinen faced Machado with the game on the line but secured a strikeout to end the game, despite Machado’s earlier error that had allowed the Dodgers to score an additional run.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need for resilience, stating, “We need to fight. And that’s what we did tonight.”
Having suffered heartbreaking postseason exits in the previous two years, the Dodgers entered this playoff with renewed determination, and several players stepped up to make an impact. Treinen achieved a challenging five-out appearance, and veteran Miguel Rojas showcased his skill despite a torn muscle. Gavin Lux made a key defensive play in the ninth inning, while Freddie Freeman, who faced doubts about his ability to play due to a sprained ankle, contributed two hits and a stolen base.
“I was told there was a 1% chance that Freddie was going to be able to play,” noted Max Muncy, who would have filled in for Freeman.
Freeman had been recovering since sustaining an ankle injury but managed to join the lineup after extensive treatment and practice just hours before the game.
Ohtani’s performance has been remarkable in recent weeks, culminating in exceptional statistics that led him to clinch a playoff berth and join the exclusive 50/50 club. He had been phenomenal throughout the final stretch of the regular season, ultimately showcasing his skills in his postseason debut.
“He injected an absolute lightning bolt into the stadium,” Muncy remarked about Ohtani’s impact, highlighting the positive shift in the team’s morale following his homer. “And from then on it was like, ‘All right, we got this. We’re good.’”