Ohtani Homers, But Clement’s Late Blast Secures Blue Jays’ Victory Over Dodgers

In a gripping matchup, Shohei Ohtani kicked off the game with an impressive 41st home run, showcasing his prowess at the plate. However, the Toronto Blue Jays edged out the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 5-4 triumph, thanks to Ernie Clement’s timely homer leading off the ninth inning. This victory allowed the Blue Jays to avoid a sweep in the series.

Mason Fluharty stepped up big for Toronto, earning his first career save. The rookie reliever came in to replace the shaky Jeff Hoffman, who had walked the bases loaded. Fluharty rose to the challenge, striking out Ohtani and ending the game by getting Mookie Betts to ground out.

The game’s narrative shifted significantly in the eighth inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger hit back-to-back home runs off Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen that turned the tide in favor of Toronto. Moments later, Clement capitalized by sending a pitch from Alex Vesia into the left-field bleachers.

Despite Ohtani's strong performance, which included two hits and being intentionally walked twice, the Dodgers' bullpen could not secure the win for starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow. Glasnow maintained a strong outing but extended his winless streak to ten games.

Ohtani’s standout performances as a leadoff hitter have resulted in 23 career homers in that position, 11 of which have come this season, further illustrating his explosive batting capability. Looking forward, the Dodgers will see Yoshinobu Yamamoto take the mound against the Angels on Monday, while Jose Berrios is set to pitch for the Blue Jays against the Cubs on Tuesday.