Shohei Ohtani drives in five runs as Los Angeles Dodgers thrash Angels
Shohei Ohtani drove in five runs, including a dramatic ‘little league’ home run, as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a resounding 15-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim on Saturday night.
The Japanese superstar returned to top form against his former franchise after being granted a brief rest period by management.
That short break clearly rejuvenated the two-time American League MVP, who went 2-for-4 at the plate alongside two walks and two runs scored.
Bizarre bounce sparks dramatic score
The defining moment arrived in the eighth inning during the Freeway Series clash at Angel Stadium.
The designated hitter ripped a ball into the right-field corner, which took an unpredictable ricochet off newly installed safety netting.
Angels outfielder Jo Adell mistakenly assumed a ground-rule double and hesitated to retrieve the live ball.
Adell’s subsequent desperate throw into the infield sailed off-target, allowing the lightning-fast slugger to complete a two-run triple and score on the throwing error.
“I just kept running.”
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki vainly challenged the play, unsuccessfully arguing that a spectator had interfered before the ball bounced back.
Slump banished as Dodgers dominate
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts felt vindicated by his decision to rest his star player following a recent barren spell.
“We were hoping to get a reset with a couple days off, and I think that’s what happened.”
Prior to this weekend, the left-handed batter had endured a frustrating period, suffering an 0-for-17 slump bridging late April and early May.
However, he banished any lingering doubts in the ninth inning by crushing a bases-loaded double to cement his first five-RBI performance in nearly a year.
“Just happy to be performing in front of both Dodger fans and Angels fans. I’m really happy I was able to contribute a lot today.”