Shohei Ohtani continues to dazzle. On a night where the Los Angeles Dodgers needed a spark, the Japanese superstar delivered once again—this time with his league-leading 20th home run of the season to fuel a 9-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium.
It’s performances like this that remind the baseball world exactly why Ohtani was the crown jewel of the offseason. The two-way phenom, now exclusively focused on his hitting after undergoing elbow surgery, has lost none of his firepower. On Tuesday night, his bat came alive in a way that not only reminded fans of his MVP pedigree but also helped the Dodgers snap a short skid and keep their commanding position atop the NL West.
In the third inning, Ohtani stepped into the box with runners on first and second, facing a 2-0 count. Guardians starter Logan Allen left a fastball just a touch too high, and Ohtani didn’t miss it. The sound of the ball off the bat sent a ripple through the crowd, a towering blast that landed deep in the right-field pavilion and sent fans into a frenzy. The home run gave the Dodgers a 4-2 lead and seemed to shift the game’s momentum entirely in favor of the home team.
The ball traveled an estimated 451 feet, a no-doubt shot that Ohtani admired briefly before beginning his trot around the bases. It marked the fourth consecutive game in which Ohtani has homered, continuing a torrid stretch in which he’s now slugged eight home runs over the past 10 games. And with his 20th long ball, he surpassed Aaron Judge and Kyle Tucker atop the MLB leaderboard.
For the Dodgers, this was more than just another win. After losing back-to-back games to the lowly Rockies and showing signs of offensive inconsistency, the team needed to get back on track. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman also chipped in with multi-hit performances, while Gavin Lux delivered a clutch two-run double in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 7-3.
Pitching-wise, it was a gutsy if uneven night for Walker Buehler, who earned the win in one of his more hard-fought outings of the year. Buehler allowed three runs over five innings, laboring through 96 pitches while striking out five and walking three. He gave up a pair of solo shots to Josh Naylor and José Ramírez but managed to keep the damage limited thanks to some timely defense and groundball double plays.
“Not my sharpest night,” Buehler admitted postgame. “But the guys picked me up. Sho’s been unbelievable—he makes our lives a lot easier when he swings the bat like that.”
Indeed, the energy Ohtani brings seems to radiate through the entire Dodgers lineup. Since joining the team, he’s hit .319 with a 1.048 OPS, 20 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. More importantly, his presence seems to have taken pressure off other stars, allowing them to settle into more consistent rhythms. Betts and Freeman, both former MVPs themselves, have combined with Ohtani to create one of the most formidable top-of-the-order trios in baseball.
Even manager Dave Roberts has taken note of the chemistry, calling it “as good as I’ve ever seen in a clubhouse.”
“It’s not just the talent—it’s how they work together,” Roberts said. “Shohei sets the tone, and the rest follow. His discipline, his approach, his humility—he’s a superstar who never acts like one.”
On the other side, the Guardians showed flashes of competitiveness but were ultimately overmatched. After jumping out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to an RBI double from Steven Kwan and a sacrifice fly by José Ramírez, Cleveland’s pitching faltered. Allen lasted just 4.2 innings, giving up six earned runs on eight hits while striking out only two. The bullpen didn’t fare much better, with Nick Sandlin and Tim Herrin combining to allow three more runs as the Dodgers pulled away.
“We just couldn’t keep the ball in the park,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Against a team like the Dodgers, if you give them too many chances, they’ll make you pay.”
Cleveland was also without star first baseman Josh Bell, who sat out with a tight hamstring. His absence was felt in the middle of the lineup, particularly in key situations where the Guardians failed to capitalize with runners in scoring position.
For Los Angeles, the victory improved their record to 37-22, solidifying their grip on first place and continuing a stretch of dominance at Dodger Stadium, where they are now 21-9 on the year. The team’s offensive output has been particularly impressive lately, scoring 41 runs over their last five games.
Perhaps no player embodies that surge more than Ohtani.
He’s now on pace for 57 home runs, which would eclipse his career high and further cement his status as one of the most impactful players in baseball history. And while the lack of two-way participation this season has disappointed some fans, it’s allowed Ohtani to focus solely on his craft at the plate—and the results have been staggering.
“He’s putting up numbers that remind me of Bonds,” said Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc. “Pitchers are starting to pitch around him, and he’s still producing. That’s what makes him elite.”
What’s especially impressive is the way Ohtani has adjusted to National League pitching. This season marks his first time playing full-time in the NL, and yet he’s shown no signs of needing an adjustment period. In fact, many scouts believe the change has benefited him, as pitchers unfamiliar with his approach are often caught off guard.
His discipline at the plate, too, has improved markedly. Ohtani has cut down his strikeout rate from last season and is walking at a career-high rate. His swing decisions have been sharper, and his power seems to be peaking just as the weather heats up.
In a summer where the MVP conversation is already taking shape, Ohtani is undeniably the frontrunner in the National League. His WAR ranks among the best in baseball, and his combination of slugging, speed, and star power has turned Dodgers games into must-see events—even in a city spoiled by decades of baseball greatness.
Tuesday’s game was no exception. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric, with fans arriving early in anticipation of another Ohtani show. They weren’t disappointed. After the game, dozens of kids could be seen emulating his swing in the concourse. His jerseys—both home white and the powder blue alternate—flew off the shelves at the team store. It’s more than just hype; it’s a phenomenon.
And Ohtani seems to be embracing it all with grace.
Asked about his home run streak after the game, he offered a modest response: “I’m just trying to stay locked in, see the ball well, and help the team win. It’s a long season.”
But even in his humility, it’s clear that Ohtani is not just any star—he’s the star, one capable of transforming a team, a fanbase, and maybe even the sport itself.
As the Dodgers continue their march toward another postseason run, Ohtani’s presence looms large. He’s already provided the power, poise, and personality that make championships possible. And if Tuesday night is any indication, there’s plenty more where that came from.
For now, the Dodgers will take the series-opening win and look ahead to Game 2 with confidence. Gavin Stone is scheduled to take the mound against Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. But the real question on everyone’s mind is whether Ohtani can keep this streak going—and just how far his bat can carry Los Angeles this summer.
One thing’s for sure: As long as Shohei Ohtani is in the lineup, the Dodgers are never out of it.
