The Los Angeles Dodgers have made an electrifying statement in the early days of the 2025 season, and Shohei Ohtani is proving to be the centerpiece of their success. In a game filled with high stakes, late-game drama, and sheer resilience, the Dodgers pulled off an incredible 6-5 win against the Atlanta Braves, completing a dramatic rally in the bottom of the ninth inning. The win marked the Dodgers’ eighth straight victory to start the season, maintaining their perfect record and asserting their dominance in the National League.
The game was nothing short of a spectacle, as the Braves, still searching for their first win of the season, led for most of the contest. However, in a signature moment of the game, Ohtani blasted a walk-off home run off Braves’ closer Raisel Iglesias to secure the win, capping a thrilling come-from-behind effort by the Dodgers. The victory not only kept their perfect start intact, but it also reinforced the notion that this Dodgers squad—powered by one of the most versatile and electrifying players in the game today—was built for moments like these.
In this article, we’ll break down the key moments of this incredible game, explore Ohtani’s heroics, and look at what this early-season momentum means for the Dodgers as they continue their pursuit of a World Series championship.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions: The Build-Up to Ohtani’s Heroics
From the first pitch to the final swing of the bat, this game had the Dodgers and their fans on the edge of their seats. The Atlanta Braves entered the contest desperate for their first win of the season, and their ace Max Fried took the mound with hopes of delivering that elusive victory. Meanwhile, the Dodgers were riding high on their perfect start, fueled by a mix of power hitting, solid pitching, and leadership from Ohtani.
The Braves got off to a strong start in the game, capitalizing on some early mistakes by Dodgers starter Julio Urías. Urías, typically a rock-solid pitcher for the Dodgers, found himself struggling with command early on. In the top of the second inning, Matt Olson singled in Ronald Acuña Jr., who had reached base on a walk, giving the Braves an early 1-0 lead. A couple of innings later, Atlanta struck again, this time with a two-run double from Austin Riley that plated Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II. The Braves were now up 3-0, and it appeared they might break their winless streak by pulling off an upset against the red-hot Dodgers.
In the middle innings, the Braves extended their lead even further. Travis d’Arnaud, Atlanta’s veteran catcher, blasted a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning off Urías, giving the Braves a 4-1 advantage. It was a shot that seemed to silence the home crowd, and at that moment, it seemed like the Braves might have enough to finally halt their losing streak.
But the Dodgers, as they’ve done throughout their perfect start to the season, were not about to give up so easily.
Dodgers’ Response: A Rally in the 7th Inning
As the game entered the later innings, the Dodgers found themselves staring down a three-run deficit. The Braves’ pitchers, especially Max Fried, had managed to stymie the Dodgers’ lineup, and the offense was struggling to generate much of anything. But in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Dodgers showed their resilience.
With one out, Freddie Freeman—the Dodgers’ star first baseman—worked a patient at-bat, drawing a walk against Fried. Freeman, a former Brave and a seasoned leader on the team, immediately stole second base, putting himself in scoring position. Then, the ever-dangerous Mookie Betts stepped up to the plate. Betts, who had been quiet throughout the game, showed his ability to come through in clutch situations, hitting a line drive that brought Freeman home and pulled the Dodgers within 4-2.
The crowd erupted as the momentum began to shift, and the Dodgers weren’t done yet. Will Smith, the Dodgers’ catcher and another critical cog in their offense, followed up with a double down the left-field line. Betts, hustling around the bases, scored easily to make it 4-3, with Smith standing at second base with just one out.
At this point, the Braves were on the ropes. Max Muncy, the Dodgers’ power-hitting third baseman, then stepped to the plate. After a few tense pitches, Muncy connected with a hanging slider from Fried and sent it deep into center field. The ball landed in the glove of Braves’ outfielder Michael Harris II, but Smith was able to tag up and advance to third, putting the tying run just 90 feet away.
With two outs, the game had become a battle of nerves. The Braves were holding onto a fragile 4-3 lead, but the Dodgers were starting to believe that this game was far from over. The stage was now set for Ohtani.
Ohtani’s Moment: The Walk-Off Home Run
When Shohei Ohtani came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning, he was already the center of attention. The Dodgers’ lineup had managed to climb back into the game, but they still trailed 5-4. With two outs and Smith standing on second base, Ohtani’s at-bat could very well determine the outcome of the game.
Braves’ closer Raisel Iglesias was on the mound, and the Dodgers had seen enough of him to know that he could be vulnerable. Iglesias, who had been reliable for the Braves in the past, struggled with consistency at times during the early part of the season. The Dodgers’ lineup, which had already demonstrated their ability to fight back in tight games, was now hoping for one more big moment to cap off their comeback.
Iglesias threw the first pitch—a fastball that registered 99 mph—but Ohtani was able to lay off it, watching the pitch go by for a ball. The crowd could feel the intensity rising, and each pitch became more and more crucial.
On the next pitch, Iglesias went with a slider. Ohtani, who had shown a remarkable ability to adjust to pitchers of all kinds, didn’t miss it. With the crack of his bat, the ball soared high into the Los Angeles night sky, traveling toward the right-center field stands. As it cleared the fence and landed in the seats, the stadium erupted into a thunderous roar. The Dodgers had done it—Ohtani’s walk-off home run gave them a 6-5 victory, completing the improbable rally and keeping their undefeated streak alive at 8-0.
It was a picture-perfect moment for Ohtani, who had delivered a game-winning blast in one of the most thrilling contests of the young season. As he rounded the bases and was mobbed by his teammates at home plate, it was clear that this game would be remembered for years to come.
What Ohtani’s Walk-Off Means for the Dodgers
Ohtani’s walk-off home run in this game was more than just a big hit—it was a symbol of everything the Dodgers have been striving for this season. The victory reinforced the idea that this Dodgers team is more than just a collection of talented players. They are a squad built on resilience, clutch performances, and depth across the lineup. Ohtani, with his two-way brilliance, is not just a star; he’s a player who can shift the momentum of a game with a single swing of the bat.
The Dodgers have always been contenders, but in 2025, they appear to have something special. Ohtani’s presence in the lineup has already paid dividends, and with the team’s strong pitching staff, including Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Dustin May, the Dodgers have the makings of a squad that could compete for a World Series championship.
Moreover, the mental toughness displayed by the Dodgers throughout this game shows that they are equipped to handle adversity. Even with a slow start to the game, even when the Braves seemed to have the upper hand, the Dodgers kept battling. This mentality will be crucial as the season progresses, and it gives them an edge in tight games throughout the year.
The Braves’ Struggles: Searching for Answers
For the Atlanta Braves, the loss was yet another setback in what has been a frustrating start to the season. They now find themselves at 0-8, still searching for their first win of the year. While the Braves have the talent to turn things around, the early losses are piling up, and questions are starting to emerge about their ability to compete in the National League.
Max Fried, despite being one of their most reliable pitchers, was unable to close out the game, and Iglesias, their closer, also faltered under pressure. The Braves’ pitching staff has to tighten up, and their offense—while capable of scoring runs—needs to find more consistency.
There’s no doubt that the Braves have the tools to bounce back, but their slow start could lead to some soul-searching as they attempt to regroup and get back on track.
Looking Ahead: Can the Dodgers Keep It Going?
As the 2025 season continues, the Dodgers have proven that they are one of the teams to beat in Major League Baseball. With an 8-0 start, the best record in baseball, and a star like Shohei Ohtani leading the way, they are in prime position to contend for the championship. Ohtani’s walk-off homer against the Braves was a reminder of his star power and his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
The Dodgers have built a balanced roster with depth, leadership, and the necessary tools to compete in October. The question is: Can they keep this momentum going? If this game is any indication, the answer might just be yes.