On April 15, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Colorado Rockies in the first game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. This matchup featured star players Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, all of whom have made significant impacts in the MLB this season.
Shohei Ohtani, starting as the designated hitter, was looking to break out of a recent slump. Prior to this game, he had only managed one hit in the previous three-game series against the Chicago Cubs, raising concerns about his performance. Coming into the game, Ohtani had a batting average of .273, with four home runs, five RBIs, an OPS of .877, four stolen bases, and 15 runs scored, which was tied for fourth in the National League.
The Dodgers, who entered the game on a three-game losing streak, were eager to turn things around. The game kicked off at 11:00 AM local time, and the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands to support their team. In the first inning, Mookie Betts ignited the crowd by hitting a two-run homer, marking his fourth of the season and giving the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead.
Ohtani stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat in the bottom of the first inning against Rockies' right-hander Antonio Senzatela. He made a strong start, hitting a single to right field, setting the tone for what would be a productive day at the plate. Following Ohtani's hit, Betts followed up with his two-run shot, extending the Dodgers' lead.
In the third inning, Ohtani showcased his power, hitting a solo home run to center field, his fifth of the season. The ball left his bat with an impressive exit velocity of 180 km/h and traveled a distance of 123 meters. This blast not only marked Ohtani's first home run in six games but also pushed the Dodgers' lead to 3-0. Fans erupted in cheers, celebrating Ohtani’s return to form.
Throughout the game, Ohtani continued to demonstrate his hitting prowess. In his fourth at-bat during the sixth inning, he managed to reach base again, this time with an infield hit to second base after a 2-2 count. This marked his third hit of the game, further solidifying his impact on the match.
As the game progressed, the Rockies began to mount a comeback. They scored their first run in the sixth inning, narrowing the gap to 3-1. However, the Dodgers responded in the bottom of the sixth with another run, pushing their lead to 4-1. The Rockies wouldn't back down easily, scoring two more runs in the seventh inning, bringing the score to 4-3.
The intensity of the game ramped up, with both teams exchanging blows. In the eighth inning, the Dodgers managed to score five runs, showcasing their offensive strength. The Rockies, however, were not finished yet, as they fought back with three runs of their own in the same inning, making it a tight finish.
Despite the Rockies' efforts, the Dodgers held on to win the game with a final score of 5-3. Ohtani's performance was a highlight, as he reached base three times and contributed significantly to the Dodgers' victory. The win marked a much-needed turnaround for the Dodgers, who were looking to regain their momentum as the season progresses.
As the series continues, fans will be eager to see if Ohtani can maintain this level of performance and help lead the Dodgers to further victories. With the stakes rising, the upcoming games promise to be thrilling as both teams vie for crucial wins in the early stages of the season.
