The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a dream start in 2025, and at the center of their early-season magic is none other than Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar delivered yet another electrifying moment, launching a tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning on his bobblehead night to push the Dodgers past the Atlanta Braves 6-5 on Wednesday.
Clutch Ohtani Delivers Again
With the game tied heading into the final frame, Ohtani stepped up with the poise of a player who thrives under pressure. “If I didn’t get a good pitch to hit, I was willing to walk,” Ohtani said through a translator. But when he got his pitch, he didn’t miss. His towering blast sent the sold-out Dodger Stadium crowd into a frenzy, cementing his status as one of baseball’s must-watch players.
This marks Ohtani’s third home run of the season, and he’s made his presence felt beyond the long ball—scoring in every game so far and keeping the Dodgers’ offense humming.
Dodgers Make History with 8-0 Start
At 8-0, the Dodgers are off to the best start ever by a defending World Series champion. They have faced adversity in nearly every game, trailing in six of them, yet they continue to find ways to win. Two of those victories have come via walk-offs, showing their knack for late-game dramatics.
For context, the last team to start 8-0 was the 2003 Kansas City Royals, though they ultimately finished out of playoff contention. The best start in MLB history belongs to the 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1987 Milwaukee Brewers, who both opened 13-0.
The Ohtani Effect
Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers goes far beyond his numbers. His presence alone changes how pitchers approach the lineup, forcing them to pitch carefully around him, which in turn benefits Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. The trio at the top of the order has been nothing short of spectacular, combining for 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in just the first eight games.
Adding to the excitement, this was the first time Ohtani played against the Braves since his high-profile move to the Dodgers. And given Atlanta’s perennial powerhouse status, this early-season test showcased just how dangerous this Dodgers team can be.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers’ next challenge comes against their division rivals, the San Francisco Giants, who will be eager to snap L.A.’s unbeaten streak. If history has taught us anything, it’s that the Giants-Dodgers rivalry always delivers drama, and with Ohtani in the mix, expect even more fireworks.
As the season unfolds, baseball fans will be watching closely to see if this red-hot Dodgers team can keep up their historic pace. And if Ohtani continues to shine, we could be witnessing one of the most memorable seasons in Dodgers history.
One thing is for sure—whenever Ohtani steps up to the plate, you don’t want to blink.