Shohei Ohtani overcomes rough inning to pitch Dodgers past Minnesota Twins
Shohei Ohtani overcame a miscommunication with rookie catcher Dalton Rushing to pitch the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.
The two-way superstar struck out eight batters across six innings before handing over to the bullpen in Minneapolis.
He also delivered at the plate, hitting an RBI single to ignite a decisive three-run third inning that put the visitors in front for good.
Crossed wires lead to rough second inning
The bottom of the second inning at a sold-out Target Field proved uncharacteristically ugly for the Japanese phenomenon.
Three hits loaded the bases before the Dodgers ace threw a 101mph fastball while his catcher was anticipating an off-speed delivery.
The ball escaped the catcher’s glove, allowing an unearned run to score on the passed ball before Ryan Kreidler’s single gave Minnesota a 3-1 lead.
Rushing has temporarily taken over primary catching duties while three-time All-Star Will Smith recovers from neck inflammation.
“They were just out of sync early, and you could tell,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“I think both guys were frustrated and trying to get on the same page.”
Taking control amid injury struggles
Speaking through an interpreter, the four-time MVP acknowledged the need for better communication with his young teammate.
“The in-game flexibility, reading the swings, reading how the hitters are really taking their approach during the game — that’s how I see what adjustment needs to happen,” Ohtani said.
Rushing was visibly upset with his own performance, noting it was embarrassing that the veteran pitcher had to take over pitch-calling duties to navigate the remainder of the game.
“Good thing he’s as good as he is and he can take control of the game, but it’s pretty embarrassing,” said Rushing.
The former Los Angeles Angels star has been pitching through lingering left knee soreness and a blister on his right hand throughout the month.
Despite these physical setbacks, he has still managed to log quality starts of six or more innings while allowing three or fewer earned runs in 11 of his 13 appearances.
The 30-year-old had an outstanding 0.74 ERA over his first 10 starts with Smith behind the plate, highlighting the significant adjustment required with a new battery mate.