In a disappointing outing on May 10, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a tough defeat against the Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 3-0 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Despite the loss, Shohei Ohtani continued to shine, extending his hitting streak to eight games with a solid performance as the designated hitter.
Ohtani, who has been a standout player for the Dodgers this season, managed to secure one hit in three at-bats, demonstrating his consistency at the plate. His impressive streak includes a remarkable performance the previous day, where he went 3-for-6 with four RBIs, including a game-winning three-run homer in the ninth inning.
In the first inning of the game against the Diamondbacks, Ohtani faced off against Corbin Burnes, the 2021 Cy Young Award winner. He made an immediate impact by smashing a cut fastball for a hit that sliced through the gap between first and second base, registering a ball speed of 109.5 mph (approximately 176.2 km/h). However, the Dodgers could not capitalize on this early opportunity as Mookie Betts grounded into a double play, leaving Ohtani stranded.
During his second at-bat in the third inning, Ohtani was intentionally walked with two outs, a strategic move by the Diamondbacks to avoid pitching to him. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, Betts could not deliver in that situation, flying out and squandering another chance to score.
As the game progressed, the Dodgers found themselves in a tight spot. In the fifth inning, trailing by one run, Kim Hason led off with a base hit, putting a runner on first. After a sacrifice bunt advanced him to second, Ohtani stepped up to the plate again. He swung at the first pitch but grounded out to second base, failing to bring the runner home. Betts also fell short, grounding out to third, and the Dodgers remained scoreless.
On the mound, Dustin May, the Dodgers' starting pitcher, was holding his own against the Diamondbacks, allowing just one run through the first five innings. However, in the sixth inning, he gave up a solo home run to Eugenio Suarez, which proved to be a pivotal moment in the game. May pitched well overall, going 6 2/3 innings and allowing only two runs, but he received little support from the offense.
As the game neared its conclusion, the Dodgers were still searching for a breakthrough. In the eighth inning, Ohtani faced reliever Ryan Nelson and hit a line drive to right field, but it was caught, marking another missed opportunity for the Dodgers to score. The team’s powerful lineup, which had been a hallmark of their success this season, fell silent, leading to their third shutout loss of the year.
The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, executed a solid game plan, effectively neutralizing the Dodgers' offense with their pitching strategy. The decision to replace Burnes, who had pitched seven scoreless innings, with Nelson in the eighth inning was a strategic move that paid off, as the Dodgers could not muster any runs.
Overall, Ohtani’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating game for the Dodgers. His batting average has soared to .414 over the last seven games, and he has accumulated an impressive 10 RBIs during that stretch. His extraordinary value, marked by an OPS of 1.652, has been making waves across Major League Baseball, earning him recognition as one of the top players in the league.
Reflecting on the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "Losing the lead was 100% my fault." This admission comes amid scrutiny over his decisions, particularly regarding pitching changes. Local reporters have been critical of his management, calling some of his choices foolish, especially concerning Kenta Maeda, who was demoted after throwing just 61 pitches.
As the Dodgers prepare for the final game of this four-game series against the Diamondbacks on May 12, they will need to regroup and find their offensive rhythm. The team currently sits at 26 wins and 13 losses, leading the National League West, but the pressure is on to perform better against divisional rivals.
The Diamondbacks, with a record of 20 wins and 19 losses, are looking to capitalize on their recent success against the Dodgers. This rivalry is heating up, and both teams are eager to secure a win as they head into the next matchup. The Dodgers will need to bounce back and show their formidable batting prowess if they hope to reclaim their dominance in the division.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ohtani and the Dodgers as they strive to maintain their position at the top of the standings and make a push for the playoffs. With the talent on their roster and Ohtani leading the charge, fans are hopeful for a turnaround in the coming games.
