True to form, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani gave the Japanese fans what they came to see.
The 2024 National League MVP hit a towering two-run homer in the third inning at Tokyo Dome on Saturday, March 15 to power the reigning World Series champions to a 5-1 win over the Yomiuri Giants.
Ohtani's blast was one of three homers in the third inning of the exhibition game the Dodgers played ahead of their two-game MLB season-opening Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19.
Los Angeles Pounces on Yomiuri's Togo in the 3rd Inning
Michael Conforto opened the scoring with a leadoff solo homer off Yomiuri starter Shosei Togo in the top of the third.
Miguel Rojas was hit by a pitch and Andy Pages doubled on a fly ball to right, scoring Rojas.
That set the table for designated hitter Ohtani to hit a two-run shot deep to right field off Togo that made it 4-0.
"I was a bit out [in] front on it but it went out at a good angle and I thought it was going to be a home run," Ohtani said.
"Even though this is an exhibition game many people came out and I finally felt like I'm back after a long time. It was a good at-bat."
Praise from Dodgers Manager Roberts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reacted to Ohtani's homer after the game, telling reporters he remains in awe of the Japanese slugger's penchant for making a big impact.
"Shohei is in very good shape and has a strong swing," Roberts said, according to Chunichi Sports. "He always lives up to expectations at the critical moment, and his performance on this day was very typical of Shohei."
Hernandez Gives the Dodgers a Commanding 5-0 Lead
Teoscar Hernandez added a solo shot to center field to make it 5-0.
"It was a great win and we had a very good inning," Hernandez said. "I'm glad that Shohei hit a home run in front of the Japanese fans."
Ohtani is back playing in Japan for the first time since he signed with the Dodgers in 2024 before going on to hit 54 home runs in his first season with the National League team.
There are a total of five Japanese players taking part in the series, but Ohtani is by far the main attraction and he didn't disappoint the sold-out crowd of 42,064 at Tokyo Dome.
He finished the game 1-for-2 with two RBIs and a walk before leaving after five innings.
The last time Ohtani played in Japan was at the 2023 World Baseball Classic when the preliminary round was played at Tokyo Dome. Japan beat the United States in the final in Miami when Ohtani struck out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout.
Yomiuri got a run back in the bottom of the sixth. Naoki Yoshikawa singled on a line drive to right, scoring Makoto Kadowaki from second.
A Look Ahead for the Dodgers
Ohtani's teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start the first game of the Tokyo Series on Tuesday against compatriot Shota Imanaga of the Cubs.
Former Chiba Lotte Marines standout Roki Sasaki is scheduled to take the mound for the Dodgers in the second game against Justin Steele.
Before the Tokyo Series games, the Dodgers are set to face the Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition game on Sunday at 12 PM.
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- Dodgers and Cubs Excited to Play in the Tokyo Series
Author: Jim Armstrong
The author is a longtime journalist who has covered sports in Japan for over 25 years. You can find his articles on SportsLook.
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