On March 1, 2025, at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Arizona, baseball fans witnessed the highly anticipated opening day game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, featuring star players Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi. Both players, hailing from Hanamaki Higashi High School, faced off for the first time this season, culminating in one thrilling moment.
Right from the start of the game, Shohei Ohtani made his presence known. Batting first as the designated hitter for the Dodgers, he stepped up to the plate against his former teammate Kikuchi, who was making his debut as the Angels' opening pitcher this season. On his first pitch, Ohtani launched Kikuchi’s 93.9 mph fastball over the left field fence, securing the first home run of the season with precision and power. The ball had an impressive exit velocity of 107 mph and traveled approximately 385 feet, delighting the packed crowd with its stunning arc.
“I saw it well enough and I was able to hit it at the right angle,” said Ohtani, reflecting on his home run. The electrifying moment sparked immense excitement among the fans and showcased Ohtani's readiness for the new season.
On the other hand, Kikuchi's initial performance was rocky. After allowing the home run, he struggled with control, giving up two more hits and, eventually, two earned runs. Managing to get only two outs, Kikuchi's day ended after 26 pitches, with his line reading 2/3 innings pitched, allowing 3 hits, 2 earned runs, and 1 walk. He shared his thoughts on the challenging at-bat against Ohtani, stating, "3-2 from the fastball down the middle, players at his level don’t miss it." This poignant acknowledgment underscored Ohtani’s prowess as one of the league's top hitters.
Despite the initially disappointing inning, Kikuchi managed to bounce back as he returned to the mound later in the game. After his teammates rallied to take the lead, he came back strong, pitching two perfect innings, showcasing both his repertoire, including newly developed pitches, and his resilience on the mound. He claimed, "Overall, I felt good. I was able to try out all my pitches, and I consistently hit the zone with my fastball, which is reassuring at this stage of the season.”
Ohtani, meanwhile, added to his season statistics by batting two more times after his home run. While he did strike out on one occasion against Dodgers reliever Silseth, his overall performance was positive, and fans are excited to see him display his dual-threat capability as both a hitter and pitcher during this season.
Ohtani's home run during his first at-bat not only provided momentum for the Dodgers but also served as the start of what many hope will be another extraordinary season for him. He mentioned, “I think getting at-bats and gaining rhythm is important leading up to the opening game.” With the team set on high aspirations this year, his match against Kikuchi was just the beginning.
This game is significant for both players as it symbolizes the start of their respective journeys this season. For Kikuchi, recovering from the rough start will be key as he prepares for what promises to be his first season as the Angels' ace following his big-money signing from the Astros. For Ohtani, the pressure of maintaining his stellar performance is ever-present, but his powerful home run lays the groundwork for another MVP-worthy season.
Fans will eagerly anticipate their next encounters as these two baseball talents push their limits and strive to bring hardware back to their franchises this year. With the season just beginning, the excitement surrounding both players is just heating up.