Watch: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Gets Emotional After First Home Run in Months
Looks like the designated hitter took The New York Times calling him “ordinary” to heart
After months of absence, Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani finally hit his first home run in over a month during Game 4 of the Los Angeles Dodgers' decisive "win-or-go-home" National League Championship Series match against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani, who had been struggling with knee, biceps, and neck injuries since September, drove a 428-foot blast in the bottom of the second inning, propelling the Dodgers to a 0-4 deficit.
The emotional blast not only elicited tears from the home crowd, but also rejuvenated Ohtani's spirits, who thundered past the bases as the fans roared. The crowd's deafening cheers drowned out the color commentators, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Ohtani's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he expertly read pitcher Dustin May and crushed his cutter with ease.
The Dodgers' decision to move Ohtani to the leadoff spot, his regular-season position, came after placing him sixth in the lineup during Game 3, which they lost 6-2. Ohtani's injury issues had noticeably hindered his swing, causing him to resemble a regular player, according to New York Times commentator Jeff Passan. However, Ohtani's fiery return to form after hitting his first home run since August 18, as reported by MLB analyst Jeff Passan, highlighted his status as the team's star player.
Ohtani had struggled with a .182 batting average (4-for-22) and seven strikeouts before the home run. With the Dodgers currently sitting at 0-3 in the series, Ohtani's resurgence is a critical factor in providing fans with a glimmer of hope.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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