In a thrilling matchup at Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks edged out the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 on May 8, 2025, Japan time, marking a significant start to their four-game series. The game showcased a mix of strong pitching and explosive hitting, culminating in a dramatic late-game surge from the Dodgers, led by their star designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani, who has been on fire this season, batted first as the designated hitter for the Dodgers. Despite a challenging game at the plate, he managed to leave his mark in the ninth inning. With two outs and his team trailing by three runs, Ohtani launched a spectacular solo home run to center field, his 11th of the season, traveling an impressive 130 meters. This powerful hit brought the score to 5-3, but unfortunately for the Dodgers, it was too little, too late.
The game began with the Diamondbacks taking an early lead, thanks in part to a shaky performance from Dodgers' starting pitcher Yu Darvish Yamamoto. In the fourth inning, Yamamoto surrendered a grand slam, followed by a solo home run in the fifth, resulting in his exit after five innings of work. He allowed a total of five runs during his outing, which ultimately led to his designation as the losing pitcher. Yamamoto's struggles were a stark contrast to his previous outings, where he had been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league.
Throughout the first seven innings, the Dodgers struggled to find their rhythm at the plate, failing to score until the eighth inning. They were held scoreless by the Diamondbacks' starter, Brandon Fat, who delivered a solid performance and kept the potent Dodgers lineup at bay for much of the game. It wasn’t until the eighth inning that the Dodgers began to rally, scoring two runs to narrow the gap.
The Dodgers' offensive effort finally ignited in the eighth, with a notable performance from Max Muncy, who hit a two-run double, providing a glimmer of hope for the team. However, the Diamondbacks' defense held firm, and the Dodgers were unable to capitalize further.
As the ninth inning unfolded, the tension in the stadium escalated. After Ohtani’s impressive homer, the Dodgers found themselves with renewed energy, but the Diamondbacks' closer, Ginkle, was able to shut down the remaining threats, securing the victory for Arizona. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed disappointment after the game, stating, “We fought hard, but we just couldn’t get the timely hits when we needed them.”
For Ohtani, the game was a mixed bag. He finished with one hit out of five at-bats, along with one RBI and one run scored. His ability to deliver in clutch moments remains a highlight of his season, as he continues to impress fans and analysts alike with his power and skill. Ohtani's performance keeps him in the conversation among the league's elite, and his home run was a reminder of his potential to change the course of a game in an instant.
The Diamondbacks, now with a record of 20 wins and 18 losses, have shown resilience in their recent performances, while the Dodgers, despite the loss, remain a formidable opponent with a season record of 25 wins and 13 losses. The Dodgers will look to bounce back in the second game of the series, scheduled for May 10, 2025, Japan time, where Roki Sasaki is expected to take the mound for Los Angeles.
As the teams prepare for their next encounter, fans are eager to see if the Dodgers can find their footing against the Diamondbacks, who have proven to be a tough competitor this season. The series continues to excite, with both teams looking to solidify their positions in the standings.
