In a thrilling showdown at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers halted their four-game losing streak by defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-4 on April 26, 2025. This victory was crucial for the Dodgers, who were eager to turn their season around after a tough stretch.
Leading the charge for the Dodgers was none other than Shohei Ohtani, who started as the designated hitter and delivered a standout performance. The 30-year-old showcased his offensive prowess with three long hits, contributing one RBI, one stolen base, and scoring two runs. Ohtani's efforts were particularly special as he celebrated his "first great hitting as a father," marking a personal milestone in his career.
The game was tightly contested, tied at 4-4 in the eighth inning when T. Hernandez stepped up to the plate. He launched a solo home run, his seventh of the season, to left field, giving the Dodgers a crucial lead. Shortly after, E. Hernandez followed with a three-run homer, extending the Dodgers' lead to 8-4 and sealing the victory.
On the mound, Roki Sasaki made his sixth start of the season, throwing a personal high of 93 pitches over six innings. Despite allowing five hits and three runs, Sasaki's performance was commendable, featuring four strikeouts. He was taken out after hitting Haze with a pitch in the sixth inning, leaving the game with a 3-3 tie.
"We wore our special 'City Connect' uniforms today, and it felt great to finally get a win," said Ohtani after the game. His performance was marked by a series of impressive hits that included a double to right-center in the first inning, clocking in at 100.8 miles per hour, which was his first long hit since the birth of his daughter.
Ohtani's second at-bat saw him strike out, but he quickly made up for it in the fifth inning with a triple to right-center, showcasing his speed and agility. The hit traveled at a blistering speed of 107.7 miles per hour, and he sprinted to third base without hesitation.
In the seventh inning, with the score tied at 3-3, Ohtani came through with a timely double off left-handed pitcher Ferguson, tying the game and allowing his teammate Pages to score. This moment marked another highlight in Ohtani's remarkable game, as he continued to impress fans and teammates alike.
Despite some challenges, including giving up a home run to Cruz in the first inning and a two-run hit in the fifth, Sasaki remained resilient. His ability to bounce back after allowing runs was crucial in keeping the game competitive.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of Ohtani's contributions, stating, "Shohei is a key player for us. His ability to perform in clutch situations is invaluable, especially as we look to regain our footing this season." Roberts also addressed Ohtani's ongoing journey as a two-way player, noting that while a return to pitching was initially expected as early as May, the timeline has become uncertain due to health considerations.
"He cannot do it unless he builds his body firmly as a starting pitcher, and that will take time. It will still take several months," Roberts explained, indicating a cautious approach to Ohtani's recovery. "We are proceeding very cautiously now," he added, highlighting the team's commitment to Ohtani's long-term health.
As the Dodgers look to build on this victory, Ohtani's performance serves as a beacon of hope for the team and its fans. With a batting average of .260, six home runs, and eight RBIs so far this season, Ohtani continues to be a driving force in the lineup.
With this win, the Dodgers not only snapped their losing streak but also regained their confidence as they prepare for the upcoming games. The team is eager to carry this momentum forward as they aim for a successful season, especially as they navigate the challenges of injuries and roster adjustments.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how Ohtani balances his dual role and when he will return to the mound. For now, the Dodgers can celebrate a much-needed victory and the remarkable performance of one of baseball's brightest stars.
