In an exciting matchup on September 25, 2024, Shohei Ohtani played a pivotal role for the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping them secure a 4-3 victory against the San Diego Padres. With his sixth-inning single, Ohtani not only drove in the go-ahead run but also added a stolen base to his impressive season tally, bringing it to 56. This win allowed the Dodgers to extend their lead over the Padres to three games in the division standings, and with four games left to play, the magic number to clinch the NL West is down to two.

The Dodgers are one game away from claiming their 11th division title in 12 seasons, bolstered by their recent success. The Padres entered the game on a five-game winning streak but saw it come to an end after a night in which they celebrated clinching a postseason berth with a game-ending triple play against their main rivals. Ohtani's performance in the sixth capped a thrilling sequence, following a two-out single that scored Will Smith, who had gotten on base with a walk earlier in the inning.

The game featured a crucial moment in the ninth inning, where Michael Kopech secured his 15th save by striking out Donovan Solano, ensuring the victory for the Dodgers. As the game progressed, Dodgers' Alex Vesia claimed the win with a hitless inning of relief. At the same time, Padres' standout Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a remarkable 448-foot home run that tied the game at 3-3 earlier in the fifth inning.

The scoring began early in the game with Teoscar Hernández bringing Ohtani home in the first inning. Meanwhile, Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth contributed with RBIs for the Padres, establishing an early lead. Dodgers' starter Jack Flaherty, despite giving up three runs over five innings, helped set the stage for the team's comeback, while Padres' Dylan Cease matched him with a similar performance. Both teams are poised for a fierce rivalry as the playoffs approach, with critical matchups anticipated in the final games of the season.