Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' sensation, is attempting something unseen in over a century: excelling as both a pitcher and hitter at the Major League level. Comparisons to Babe Ruth are inevitable, but recent performances raise questions about the sustainability of this two-way approach.
Ohtani delivered his best start as a Dodger on Wednesday, allowing just one tainted run on two hits and striking out a season-high eight in four innings. He also slugged his first home run in 10 games, contributing significantly to the Dodgers' offense. It seemed like a vintage Ruthian performance, a glimpse into what Ohtani is capable of bringing to the team.
However, despite Ohtani's brilliance, the Dodgers suffered a 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The team's defense and bullpen faltered, squandering Ohtani's stellar performance. Three relievers combined to allow four runs on 10 hits over the final five innings, ultimately costing the Dodgers the game.
The critical moment arrived in the eighth inning when the Cardinals capitalized on the Dodgers' weaknesses. They turned a one-run deficit into a one-run lead, with a pair of singles against Alex Vesia followed by a two-out hit from Jordan Walker that drove in the tying run. A throwing error by third baseman Alex Freeland allowed the winning run to score.
Max Muncy had a great game going four-for-five including two home runs, but it wasn't enough to overcome the bullpen's struggles. The Dodgers need to address these issues if they want to maximize Ohtani's potential and compete for a championship.
Key Takeaways from the Dodgers' Loss
- Shohei Ohtani continues to impress as a two-way player.
- The Dodgers' bullpen needs improvement.
- Defensive errors proved costly.
What's Next for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers will need to regroup and address their weaknesses as they continue their season. The team's success hinges on their ability to support Ohtani's efforts and perform consistently as a unit.