Ohtani Hits 35th HR, Limits Twins in Dodgers Win

In a highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Minnesota Twins, Byron Buxton electrified the crowd by hitting a leadoff solo home run off Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani on the second pitch of the game, marking Ohtani's first home run allowed this season. Buxton, who has been in excellent form with 23 home runs and a strong batting average, tied a franchise record for most leadoff homers in Twins history. Despite this early setback, Ohtani responded immediately with a 441-foot two-run homer, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher to homer in the first inning since 1977 and showcasing his rare dual-threat talent. Ohtani pitched three strong innings, allowing just one run and earning praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for his mound demeanor and pitching form as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery. The game highlighted Buxton's rising stature as a dangerous leadoff hitter and Ohtani's unique ability to impact the game both on the mound and at the plate, cementing their roles as key players for their teams in the 2025 season. This duel underscored the excitement of baseball’s current stars and their ongoing contributions to their teams' performances.