Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is widely regarded as the greatest player in Major League Baseball right now. He showed off why on Wednesday in the series finale against the National League West rival San Diego Padres.
Ohtani started on the mound for Los Angeles and batted leadoff. On the first pitch of the game thrown by Padres' starter Randy Vasquez, Ohtani launched a solo home run to give himself an early advantage.
He was just as good with his arm. The 23-year-old star threw five innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out four batters. This impressive performance dropped his season ERA down to an unbelievable 0.73.
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When Ohtani led off the ballgame with the solo shot, it was the second time in Major League Baseball history a starting pitcher had begun a game with a home run in which he was also pitching.
The only other time this had happened was in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series, when Ohtani did it for the first time.
MLB pointed out this incredible feat on social media during Wednesday's game.
"Shohei Ohtani joins elite company ... himself!" the caption read.
Ohtani went through an uncharacteristic slump at the plate early in May, but he has turned it on lately. After his 1-for-4 day with the leadoff homer in Wednesday's 4-0 victory, he extended his hitting streak to seven games. In those contests, he has gone 13-for-27 at the dish with five extra-base hits and 10 RBIs.
It's clear to see that Ohtani has found his way in the batter's box and on the mound, which does not bode well for the rest of MLB.
The four-time MVP and the Dodgers will have an off-day on Thursday before starting a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. First pitch at American Family Field is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET.
