Shohei Ohtani Pitches, Homers as Dodgers Beat Nationals

Shohei Ohtani delivered a spectacular all-around performance in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 13-7 victory over the Washington Nationals, excelling both as a pitcher and hitter. In his second pitching appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Ohtani pitched one hitless inning with two strikeouts on 18 pitches, showcasing his cautious but effective return to the mound. Offensively, he went 3 for 4 with five RBIs, including a three-run triple and his 26th home run of the season, helping the Dodgers rally from a 3-0 deficit and extend their homestand success. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized a careful approach to Ohtani's pitching workload, limiting him to one inning per start as he rebuilds stamina. Ohtani's two-way excellence has energized the team and fans alike, drawing large crowds to Dodger Stadium and boosting confidence following the Dodgers' recent World Series title. His ongoing recovery and performance have solidified his reputation as a modern-day Babe Ruth, combining elite pitching and hitting at the highest level.