Shohei Ohtani experienced a rollercoaster evening during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, highlighted by both a rare triple play and a dramatic home run. Despite Ohtani’s impactful plays and scoring two runs, the Dodgers ultimately fell 7-6 in 10 innings, extending their losing streak against the Angels to 0-5 for the season. This game added to the Dodgers’ struggles as they find themselves tied with the San Diego Padres atop the National League West with 42 games remaining.
How Ohtani Contributed to a Triple Play and the Dodgers’ Rally Effort
The Dodgers twice erased deficits in the first five innings, leveling the game after being down 3-1 and later 5-3. In the fifth inning, Andy Pages’ bases-loaded walk had evened the score once again. The sixth inning saw Miguel Rojas and Dalton Rushing start with consecutive singles, setting the stage for Ohtani at the plate alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who collectively managed four hits and four runs during the game.
Ohtani hit a sharply lined ball up the middle that appeared promising but was caught by shortstop Zach Neto. Neto then swiftly stepped on second base and threw to first baseman Nolan Schanuel, completing a rare 6-6-3 triple play that ended the inning and paused the Dodgers’ momentum.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the play, saying,
“I thought [Rojas] did a fine job. … but Dalton’s got to get back. The ball’s in front of him, and [he is] bolting toward second base, that’s something that can’t happen.”
This defensive maneuver was a turning point in the game, as MLB.com noted it cut the Dodgers’ win probability from 62.7 percent down to 42.6 percent, making it the second-most decisive play of the night.
Ohtani’s Ninth-Inning Home Run Raises Dodgers’ Hopes
Later in the game, Ohtani provided another highlight by hitting a leadoff home run in the ninth inning off former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. This homer put the Dodgers ahead 6-5 and raised their win probability to 84.2 percent, sharply improving their chances of victory in a tense late-game moment.
Reflecting on this clutch hit, Roberts said,
“It was great. I think the at-bat quality, the fight, the big hit right there, obviously we felt it in the dugout.”
Despite that boost, the Dodgers could not maintain the lead in extra innings.
Dodgers Manager Expresses Frustration Amid Ongoing Struggles
The loss marked the Dodgers’ third consecutive defeat, including two in a row at Angel Stadium, despite supportive crowds favoring the Dodgers in the first two home games of the series. Manager Dave Roberts’ usual calm demeanor showed signs of strain as the team’s six-week slide continued. After leading the Padres by nine games on July 3 and sitting 24 games over .500, the Dodgers have slipped to a 12-20 record over the past 32 games, losing their division hold.
Roberts voiced his concerns plainly:
“You just got to play better baseball. We’re not helping ourselves by not playing good baseball.”
He stressed the importance of managing the controllable elements better, noting,
“There’s things you can manage and control, and I don’t think we’re doing a good-enough job with that as far as little things that are coming to show as big things.”
Upcoming Opportunities and Team Outlook
Despite the setbacks, the Dodgers plan to turn to Shohei Ohtani on the mound in an effort to stabilize their performance and regain momentum as they face the Padres in a crucial series at Dodger Stadium this weekend. Roberts acknowledged the team’s collective frustration but emphasized the need for effort and resilience moving forward. He said,
“I know we’re all frustrated, [but] it’s not going to turn by itself. But we’re going to go back to work tomorrow and try and salvage this series and find a way to beat these guys this year.”