LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their remarkable start to the 2025 season with a thrilling 6-5 walk-off victory over the Atlanta Braves on April 2, 2025. The game was marked by a dramatic performance from Shohei Ohtani, who delivered a powerful home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, solidifying the Dodgers' standing as the first defending World Series champions to begin a season with an 8-0 record.
Ohtani's walk-off blast was a fitting highlight for the evening, which was also his bobblehead night, commemorating his third unanimous MVP Award. Fans lined up outside Dodger Stadium long before the gates opened, eager to grab the collectible, and the atmosphere was electric as Ohtani took the plate in the critical final inning.
Despite a rocky start, which saw the Dodgers trailing for much of the game, the team showcased its resilience. After falling behind 5-3, the Dodgers rallied in the eighth inning. With Michael Conforto on first base and one out, Braves manager Brian Snitker made a bold decision to bring in closer Raisel Iglesias for a five-out save. However, things quickly unraveled for Atlanta. Iglesias walked Will Smith, and after Tommy Edman grounded out, Max Muncy stepped up and delivered a two-run double that tied the game at five.
"When he was coming up, and it’s his bobblehead night -- everyone knew," said Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell. "We knew. It’s just what he does." Muncy’s timely hit not only brought the Dodgers back into contention but also set the stage for Ohtani's heroics.
Ohtani's home run was his second career walk-off, the first being a grand slam last August that secured his place in the 40-40 club. The Dodgers have had to come from behind in six of their eight games this season, demonstrating their grit and determination to win even when the odds seem stacked against them.
"I think the credit really goes to Max Muncy to be able to pull through and tie the game," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. "For me, coming into the inning, tied in that last at-bat, it just felt like we really had a good shot to win."
The Braves, on the other hand, entered the game winless through their first six contests, and their struggles continued as they faced a Dodgers team that has shown remarkable depth despite missing key players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Freeman, in particular, missed the entire three-game series against the Braves after aggravating his surgically repaired right ankle.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the game as "the worst we’ve played" in the young season but praised his team for finding a way to win. "I was dumbfounded with the way we were playing," he said. "I didn’t recognize that club in the first couple innings. And then just dumbfounded we found a way to win that game. We had no business winning that game. But to our guys’ credit, we just kept fighting.”
Ohtani's performance drew high praise from the Braves as well. Third baseman Austin Riley remarked, "He's the best player in baseball. If you make a mistake, you're more than likely going to pay for it. There's a reason why he's the best." This sentiment echoes the growing consensus around Ohtani's unparalleled talent and impact on the game.
The Dodgers' victory on Ohtani's bobblehead night not only continued their perfect start but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. Fans left the stadium buzzing with excitement, knowing they had witnessed a memorable moment in baseball history.
As the Dodgers look to maintain their momentum, they will aim to build on this victory and continue their undefeated streak, with Ohtani leading the charge. The quest for a historic season continues, and if the last game is any indication, the Dodgers are ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
With the season only just beginning, the Dodgers are making a statement, and the baseball world is watching closely. Will they be able to sustain this level of play and challenge for another championship? Only time will tell, but for now, they revel in their early success and the magic of Shohei Ohtani.
