In a tightly contested matchup at Citizens Bank Park on April 5, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Philadelphia Phillies with a final score of 3-1. The game featured notable performances, including a start from Shohei Ohtani, who played as the designated hitter but struggled at the plate.
Ohtani, the 30-year-old two-way star, entered the game looking to break a hitting slump that had seen him go hitless in his last three games. Batting in the leadoff position, he finished the day with three at-bats, no hits, and one walk, leaving him with a batting average of .297 for the season. His performance was a disappointment compared to his earlier success, where he had recorded multiple hits in a game just a few days prior.
In his first at-bat, Ohtani faced off against Phillies' right-hander Aaron Nola, who had an impressive 14 wins last season. After falling behind in the count, Ohtani swung and missed at a low knuckle curve, striking out on a 1-2 count. The second at-bat came in the third inning with the Dodgers trailing 2-1. Ohtani worked the count to full before drawing a walk, showcasing his patience at the plate. He advanced to second base on a single by Mookie Betts but was ultimately stranded at third after a groundout and a flyout.
In his third at-bat, Ohtani grounded out to second base, continuing his frustrating day at the plate. He returned for a final opportunity in the sixth inning, facing another right-hander, Ross. Unfortunately, Ohtani popped up to center field, ending his day without a hit.
Despite Ohtani's struggles, the Dodgers managed to secure the win, thanks in part to timely hitting from their lineup. Kike Hernandez hit a crucial home run, his third of the season, while Max Muncy also contributed with a home run of his own, his second. The Dodgers scored all three of their runs in the latter part of the game, coming from behind after being down early.
Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki, another highly anticipated pitcher for the Dodgers, made his third start aiming for his first major league victory. Sasaki pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out four batters. He faced some challenges, particularly in the first inning, where he allowed a run after giving up a single to Kyle Schwarber and a groundout that brought him home. Despite his solid performance, Sasaki did not secure the win, remaining at 0-0 for the season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on Sasaki’s performance, noting the young pitcher’s progress and potential. “He’s learning with every outing,” Roberts said. “He showed flashes of brilliance today, and I’m confident he’ll get that first win soon.” Sasaki's next outing will be crucial as he continues to adjust to the major league level.
In addition to the game action, Ohtani's influence was evident off the field as well. His recent commercial for the cosmetics brand Decolte has inspired a new trend among his teammates and fans. Players have started mimicking his signature pose from the ad, dubbed the "Decolte Pose," which has become a humorous yet popular gesture in the clubhouse.
Looking ahead, Ohtani is expected to return to the mound soon as part of his recovery program. He practiced pitching before the game, throwing 26 pitches that included fastballs, two-seamers, splits, and cut balls. Roberts confirmed that Ohtani would have bullpen sessions scheduled for April 10 and April 12 as he works towards a return to pitching.
As the Dodgers continue their season, they will look to build on this victory and find consistency at the plate. With Ohtani’s batting and Sasaki’s pitching, the team has the potential to be a formidable force in the league.
Meanwhile, the Phillies will need to regroup after this loss and find ways to support their pitching staff, which has been under pressure during the early part of the season. The Dodgers' win puts them in a strong position as they aim for the playoffs, while the Phillies will be looking to turn things around in their upcoming games.
In other MLB action on the same day, Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox earned his first major league win against the Kansas City Royals, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing only one run. The Red Sox triumphed with an 8-1 victory, showcasing the depth of talent among the league's Japanese players.
As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate how players like Ohtani and Sasaki will perform, both at the plate and on the mound. With each game, the excitement of Major League Baseball continues to build, promising thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.
