Shohei Ohtani regrets missed challenge as Pirates stun Dodgers 9-8
Shohei Ohtani was left to rue a missed automated ball-strike challenge as the Los Angeles Dodgers surrendered a five-run lead in a dramatic 9-8 defeat to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
The two-way Japanese superstar cruised through the first six innings on the mound before a disastrous seventh frame changed the complexion of the game.
Los Angeles had appeared firmly in control after Ryan Ward hit his first career grand slam to build a commanding advantage.
Costly hesitation in the seventh inning
A rare collapse from the two-time defending World Series champions began when Pittsburgh second baseman Brandon Lowe stepped up to the plate with two runners on base.
Ohtani fell behind 3-0 in the count after home plate umpire Felix Neon ruled two borderline 98mph fastballs as balls.
Catcher Dalton Rushing opted not to use the automated ball-strike (ABS) system, and the pitcher chose to defer to his rookie team-mate.
Lowe immediately capitalised, punishing a fastball down the middle for a two-run double that ended Ohtani’s pitching performance.
“I usually let the catchers make that determination,” Ohtani explained after the game.
“But looking back, I think situationally, how important it was that at-bat, looking back I think I could have done a few challenges.”
Bullpen collapse compounds struggles
The 30-year-old was already battling a blister on his right hand, which temporarily limited the deployment of his devastating split-fingered fastball.
Despite the physical hindrance, he remained in solid shape before uncharacteristically allowing season highs in hits, runs, and earned runs.
Manager Dave Roberts defended his players’ decision-making, describing the pitch challenge system as an “inexact science”.
Even after Lowe’s vital double and a subsequent fielding error by third baseman Max Muncy, the visitors retained a two-run lead heading into the eighth inning.
Rookies inspire spectacular Pirates rally
The Dodgers boasted a formidable 36-3 record when leading after seven innings this season, making the subsequent bullpen meltdown highly unusual.
Tyler Callihan sparked the late surge with a devastating three-run home run in the eighth inning, having already hit his first career major league blast earlier in the contest.
Spencer Horwitz then delivered the decisive blow, crushing a two-run homer that provided Pittsburgh with a crucial cushion.
The Japanese talisman attempted to single-handedly salvage the game in the top of the ninth inning by launching a two-run home run of his own.
Ultimately, the dramatic late response fell just short, sealing a spectacular victory for the resilient hosts.