In a thrilling matchup at Citizens Bank Park, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 6, 2025, in a game that showcased the highs and lows of baseball. Despite a strong start from the Dodgers, they ultimately fell to the Phillies with a final score of 8-7, marking their second loss of the season.
Shohei Ohtani, the star designated hitter for the Dodgers, had a challenging day at the plate. Batting first, Ohtani went 0 for 4, striking out three times and managing just one walk. His struggles at the plate were evident as he faced off against Phillies pitcher C. Sanchez, who had previously been a favorable matchup for Ohtani. This game marked the second time this season that Ohtani struck out three times in a single game.
The game began with excitement as the Dodgers took an early lead. T. Hernandez hit a two-run home run in the first inning, putting the Dodgers ahead 2-0. However, the momentum shifted in the third inning when Dodgers’ starter Tyler Glasnow struggled with his control, leading to a run for the Phillies. The Phillies capitalized on the situation, scoring six runs in the third inning, including a grand slam that put them ahead 6-2.
Despite the deficit, the Dodgers refused to back down. T. Hernandez continued his strong performance by hitting another home run in the fourth inning, narrowing the gap to 6-3. In the fifth inning, the Dodgers managed to score again, bringing the score to 6-4, thanks to a timely double from Betts.
As the game progressed, the seventh inning proved to be pivotal. The Dodgers executed a remarkable comeback, scoring three runs to take a 7-6 lead. Betts hit a crucial double that allowed Pahes to score, and Ohtani advanced to third base. T. Hernandez’s sacrifice fly brought Ohtani home, tying the game, while Smith's timely double gave the Dodgers the lead.
However, the excitement was short-lived. The Phillies responded in the bottom of the seventh, reclaiming the lead with two runs, culminating in a dramatic finish. The Dodgers couldn't muster any runs in the eighth or ninth innings, sealing their fate with an 8-7 loss.
Ohtani's performance, while not stellar, still marked an important milestone. His streak of consecutive games reaching base extended to 11 games, despite the lack of hits in this outing. This streak illustrates Ohtani's ability to maintain presence at the plate, even on off days.
As Ohtani looks to bounce back, he remains on the cusp of history. He is just one home run away from achieving the "30-stadium conquest" as the first Japanese player to hit a home run in all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Currently, he has homered in 28 stadiums, with Citizens Bank Park being one of the few he has yet to conquer.
The Dodgers concluded their three-game series against the Phillies with a disappointing 1-2 record. They will be looking to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park later this month.
In the wake of the game, Ohtani expressed his determination to improve, stating, "Every day is a new opportunity. I’ll work hard to get back on track and help my team win." The Dodgers and their fans are hopeful that Ohtani will find his rhythm again as the season progresses.
As the season unfolds, the Dodgers will need to address their pitching woes, particularly in high-pressure situations like the seventh inning of this game. With the right adjustments, they could turn their fortunes around and become a formidable contender in the league.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers’ next challenge will be to harness their offensive power while tightening their defense. With players like Ohtani, Betts, and Hernandez leading the charge, fans can expect thrilling games as they strive for victory.
