Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI triple during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in Anaheim, California.
17:41 JST, September 4, 2024
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit an RBI triple in his first regular-season game back at Angel Stadium, and he scored on Mookie Betts’ three-run homer in the 10th inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.
Ohtani went 1 for 4 with his game-tying triple in the third inning as the two-way superstar received a warm welcome back to the ballpark where he excelled for the Angels for the past six years. Ohtani won two AL MVP awards and a Rookie of the Year trophy while redefining what’s possible in modern baseball, but he couldn’t lead the long-struggling Halos to a winning season.
“The most important thing is that we can play in this stadium in front of the Anaheim fans,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “That was the part that was special for me. … The most important thing is that it’s about winning the game, and I’m happy we won.”
The Dodgers led 3-2 in the tenth inning thanks to an RBI single by Miguel Rojas before the Angels intentionally walked their former star player to get to Betts, who hit the next pitch from Roansy Contreras (2-4) over the fence in left.
“With Shohei doing what Shohei always does, I understand their perspective,” Betts said. “So I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit.”
Ron Washington became the first opposing manager to intentionally walk a batter for Betts, an eight-time All-Star and former AL MVP, since 2016.
“You’re choosing poison when you’re facing the first three batters,” Washington said. “I wouldn’t let Ohtani hit there, and I have all the respect in the world for Mookie Betts. I was just hoping Contreras could make a pitch and get us a ground ball.”
Ohtani and Betts, who drove in four runs, celebrated their victory at home plate before the Major League-leading Dodgers recorded their 12th victory in 15 games.
“It was still a great success, but when another manager lets the player walk ahead of you, you take it personally,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I know Wash didn’t take it personally. It’s a great baseball decision, but as a player, that’s what drives you.”
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (left) talks with Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon while at third base during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif.
Ohtani drew more cheers than boos from a sellout crowd of thousands of blue-clad Dodgers fans when he batted leadoff. The Angels didn’t give him a major tribute, instead posting a graphic listing his greatest accomplishments with the franchise he chose as his first big club in late 2017.
“Probably a little more excitement than usual here,” Dodgers starter Walker Buehler said of the sellout crowd. “We’re an hour away, but it’s a different situation for us.”
Michael Kopech (5-8) pitched the ninth inning for the Dodgers.
Logan O’Hoppe and Taylor Ward homered for the Angels, who failed to win three in a row for the first time since July 24.
Angels reliever Ben Joyce ended the Dodgers’ ninth inning by retiring Tommy Edman with a 105.5 mph fastball, the third-fastest pitch thrown in the majors during the pitch-tracking era, which began in 2008.
Reid Detmers struck out 10 and surrendered three hits in six innings. The left-handed pitcher was sharp in his first major league appearance since June 1 for the Angels, who demoted him to the minors after months of inconsistency.
Walker Buehler allowed five hits and two walks in five innings for the Dodgers, a slight improvement over his last four starts as he tries to secure a playoff spot.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (R) gets a hug from Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe as he steps up to bat during the first inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in Anaheim, California.
O’Hoppe hit a 430-foot home run in the second inning off Buehler, his 18th home run. It’s the most home runs by an Angels catcher since 2008.
Ohtani’s third-inning drive went to the right field corner, allowing Rojas to score from first base. Ohtani then walked home on Betts’ single over a pulled-in infield.
Ward tied the score again when he hit his 20th home run of the season into the short porch in right field in the fifth inning, extending his career-best 13-game winning streak.
Ohtani got a runner on base in the eighth inning, but José Quijada struck him out with two high fastballs.
