In a game that had the feel of October in mid-May, the Los Angeles Dodgers reminded the baseball world why they are perennial contenders and why Shohei Ohtani is already making his $700 million contract look like a bargain. On Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers pulled off one of their most improbable victories of the season, storming back in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Atlanta Braves 7–6. The walk-off exclamation point? A thunderous, opposite-field two-run home run from none other than Ohtani.
With the win, Los Angeles improved to 29–14 on the season, while the Braves dropped to 27–16, in a game that could well be a postseason preview.
Braves Dominate Early Behind Fried
Max Fried, the Braves’ ace, had the Dodgers baffled through the first six innings. Mixing a sharp curveball with a lively fastball, Fried allowed just two hits and one run while striking out eight. He was supported by the Braves’ powerful lineup, which jumped on Dodgers starter Gavin Stone early.
In the top of the second, Marcell Ozuna launched his 13th home run of the season, a towering solo shot to center, to get Atlanta on the board. Matt Olson followed two innings later with a two-run double down the right field line, making it 3–0 Braves. Stone would settle in, but the Braves added two more in the sixth courtesy of a Michael Harris II RBI single and a Ronald Acuña Jr. sacrifice fly.
By the time the seventh inning ended, Atlanta had built what seemed like an insurmountable 6–2 lead, and Fried exited with a chance to notch his fifth win of the season.
The Dodgers Chip Away
The Dodgers didn’t go quietly. In the bottom of the eighth, they began to shift momentum. After Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman reached on back-to-back singles, Will Smith roped a double into the gap, scoring one and putting runners at second and third. A Max Muncy groundout brought the score to 6–4.
Braves manager Brian Snitker opted to bring in closer Raisel Iglesias to attempt a four-out save. Iglesias struck out Teoscar Hernández to end the threat in the eighth, but the damage had been done. The sellout crowd sensed something special brewing.
Ninth Inning Drama
After Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips retired the side in the top of the ninth, the stage was set for the home team to pull off the unthinkable.
Chris Taylor led off with a walk after an eight-pitch battle. Then came Miguel Rojas, who bunted Taylor over to second. Betts followed with a sharp grounder that glanced off second baseman Ozzie Albies’ glove, allowing Taylor to reach third.
With runners on the corners and one out, Freeman stepped in. Against his former team, Freeman delivered a clutch sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Taylor and cutting the Braves’ lead to 6–5. The crowd roared. The Dodgers were within one.
And then, Shohei Ohtani stepped into the batter’s box.
Shohei’s Moment
Already 2-for-4 on the night with a pair of singles, Ohtani faced Iglesias with two outs and Betts on first. The count quickly went to 2–1 as Iglesias missed low with a slider. Then came the pitch that changed the game.
A 97-mph fastball on the outer half. Ohtani, with his trademark balance and power, flicked the ball the other way with effortless torque. The ball soared toward left-center field and kept carrying. Braves left fielder Jarred Kelenic turned and sprinted toward the wall, but he quickly realized he had no play.
The ball landed halfway up the bleachers, an estimated 411 feet from home plate. Dodger Stadium erupted. Ohtani circled the bases, arms in the air, as Betts and the rest of the Dodgers stormed home plate.
Final score: Dodgers 7, Braves 6. A comeback for the ages.
Ohtani Speaks
“I just wanted to stay on the fastball and not do too much,” Ohtani said through his interpreter after the game. “This team fights to the end, and I wanted to be part of that moment. I’m grateful I was able to deliver.”
Ohtani’s homer was his 11th of the season and marked the fourth walk-off homer of his MLB career — but his first in Dodger blue. The blast extended his hitting streak to 12 games and elevated his OPS to 1.012, one of the best marks in the league.
“It’s special when you have a guy like that up in a big spot,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He’s built for those moments. This is why we brought him here.”
A Signature Win
In a season already filled with highlights, this game stood out. The Dodgers didn’t just beat a top contender — they did so in dramatic, late-game fashion, against one of the best closers in the National League.
“These are the types of games that show you what you’re made of,” Freeman said afterward. “It’s May, but that felt like a playoff game. And Shohei? He’s worth every penny.”
The Dodgers finished the game with 10 hits, with Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani accounting for six of them. Teoscar Hernández went hitless, but he made a pivotal defensive play earlier in the game to keep the Braves from scoring in the seventh. Every inch mattered in this one.
Braves Left Reeling
While Atlanta still boasts one of the deepest rosters in the game, the loss stung. Raisel Iglesias, who had been a rock in the bullpen with a sub-2.00 ERA, took the loss and the blown save.
“Just a missed location,” Iglesias said postgame. “I wanted it low and away, and it drifted into his zone. That’s what great hitters do — they make you pay.”
Snitker didn’t place the blame on his closer but acknowledged the difficulty of facing such a deep and relentless lineup.
“The Dodgers are never out of a game,” he said. “That’s why they’re dangerous. We’ve got to bounce back tomorrow.”
Playoff Implications?
While it’s still early in the 162-game marathon, this win could have ripple effects down the line. Both teams are likely postseason bound, and home-field advantage could hinge on head-to-head matchups like these.
Moreover, performances like Ohtani’s continue to reshape the MVP race. With the dual-threat superstar solely focusing on hitting this season due to his elbow recovery, he has been nothing short of elite. If he continues at this pace, it would be hard to argue against him adding another MVP trophy to his collection.
What’s Next
The Dodgers and Braves will face off in two more games this series, and the energy will be electric. Bobby Miller is scheduled to start for the Dodgers in Game 2, while the Braves will counter with Bryce Elder.
Meanwhile, the baseball world will continue buzzing about Tuesday night’s instant classic. Shohei Ohtani once again proved why he’s must-see TV, why the Dodgers opened the vault, and why no moment is too big for the Japanese phenom.
Dodger Stadium has seen plenty of iconic moments — Kirk Gibson’s hobble-off homer, Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitters, and countless walk-offs over the decades — but Shohei’s bomb into the Southern California night might have just joined the pantheon.
And if this was a preview of October?
Buckle up. Baseball’s best show might just be getting started.
