The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their seven-game losing streak on July 8, largely due to Shohei Ohtani’s commanding pitching performance against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani’s showing highlighted his pitching impact just before the All-Star break, helping the Dodgers secure a critical 2-1 victory on the road.
Adjustments in Dodgers’ Pitching Plans Lead to Ohtani’s Start
At the start of the Dodgers’ recent road trip, Dustin May, Emmet Sheehan, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were scheduled to start in the weekend series opener against the Giants. However, the team changed course, inserting Shohei Ohtani as the Saturday starter while shifting Sheehan to a bulk relief role. This change marked Ohtani’s fifth start of the season and placed him on the mound during a difficult period for the Dodgers.
Ohtani’s Early Strikeouts Set the Game’s Momentum
Coming into the game with the club enduring its worst losing streak of the season, Ohtani struck out all three batters in the first inning, establishing immediate control. His dominance extended through three innings, during which he kept the Giants scoreless—the longest shutout stretch Ohtani has recorded this season for the Dodgers. Over these innings, he maintained his impressive form with six straight strikeouts, continuing a streak that began in his previous start.
His final inning strikeout against the Giants was a milestone, representing the first time Ohtani struck out the side in one frame during his Dodgers career. Through five starts, Ohtani has pitched nine innings, allowing only one earned run, yielding a 1.00 ERA, with 10 strikeouts and just two walks.
Manager Dave Roberts Highlights Ohtani’s Role in Ending Losing Streak
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that Ohtani’s strong pitching was instrumental in turning the team’s fortunes around after the difficult stretch. Roberts told SportsNet LA,
“It does. Especially when it’s a team that is kind of chasing us, playing good baseball, to come out there and punch out the side, it was big. It does set the tone. The starting pitcher sets the tone each night.” —Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
This observation reflects how Ohtani’s early dominance influenced the entire team’s energy and focus during a crucial matchup.
Ohtani’s Focused Intensity Mirrors Veteran Leadership
While known for his approachable and friendly persona off the mound, Ohtani adopts a noticeably sharper and more intense demeanor on his pitching days. Roberts described this transformation, noting that Ohtani becomes
“a little bit more edgy as a pitcher,”
a mentality that inspires and energizes the Dodgers during games.
This leadership and influence have drawn comparisons to the effect Clayton Kershaw had on the team during his prime and ongoing later stages of his career, underscoring Ohtani’s importance beyond pure statistics.
Looking Ahead to Ohtani’s Continued Influence on the Dodgers
As the Dodgers prepare to head into the All-Star break, Ohtani’s pitching impact signals hope for sustained success in the second half of the season. His ability to consistently suppress opposing offenses and inspire teammates positions him as a key figure in the Dodgers’ efforts to rebound from early-season struggles. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how his contributions shape the team’s trajectory moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. He and Ohtani are the only Dodgers with this accomplishment since at least 1901.
Ohtani was already standing out with 43-43, but he became a member of the 50-50 club first.
To understand how impressive a 50-50 season is, consider this: He hit 51 home runs, the most ever in a season with 50 steals in MLB history.