Ohtani Hits Two Home Runs in Dodgers' 11-5 Victory Over Giants

In a standout performance, Shohei Ohtani launched two home runs on Saturday, raising his MLB career total to 250 and leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11-5 victory against the San Francisco Giants. This win was crucial, placing the Dodgers one game ahead of the Giants in the National League West standings.

Ohtani broke a 10-game homerless drought with a powerful leadoff shot, estimated at 419 feet, off a cutter from Giants pitcher Landen Roupp in the first inning. He noted that pitchers often throw with more aggression early in the game, which presented his best opportunity to capitalize on pitches within the strike zone. As the game progressed, the Dodgers took an early lead and dominated the Giants, scoring six runs before Roupp was taken out.

In the sixth inning, Ohtani hit his 25th home run of the season, a full-count curveball that sailed 384 feet over right center. This marked his third game in the season where he hit multiple home runs. As a two-way player, Ohtani is also ramping up his pitching practice, participating in simulated games to prepare for returning to the mound.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw earned the win by throwing seven scoreless innings and allowing only three hits. The Giants managed to score all their runs late in the game when manager Dave Roberts opted to send infielder Enrique Hernandez to pitch in the ninth inning. Prior to the game, Roberts received a prefectural honor from Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, who also participated in the ceremonial first pitch.