Shohei Ohtani Allows Multiple Runs in Consecutive Innings Amid Injuries, Leads Dodgers to 5-4 Victory Over Rays
Shohei Ohtani allowed four runs in the fifth inning during a 5-4 Dodgers victory over the Rays on Saturday, marking the first time this season he has surrendered multiple earned runs in consecutive innings, according to MLB.com. The Japanese star, who started with a lingering left knee injury and a blister on his middle finger, faced challenges but secured the win as Los Angeles completed a rare sweep of Tampa Bay.
What Happened in Ohtani’s Recent Start?
Ohtani, who entered the game with a left knee injury that had previously caused him to miss a game earlier in the week, allowed four runs on five hits in the fifth inning, using 26 pitches. His blister on the middle finger later opened and bled, according to The Athletic. Despite the setbacks, he retired the side in the sixth inning, earning his seventh win of the season. The Dodgers overcame the deficit, rallying for a 5-4 victory, their second consecutive win against the Rays.
How Has Ohtani’s Performance Been Lately?
Ohtani’s performance has shown fluctuations in recent outings. After allowing just seven runs (five earned) in his first 10 starts, he has surrendered eight runs (seven earned) in his last two games, per ESPN. His ERA rose to 1.47, still the second-lowest in Major League Baseball among pitchers with at least 50 innings, according to Baseball Reference. The 2021 AL MVP also contributed offensively, hitting five home runs in his last nine games and batting .367 during that span, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
What Did Ohtani Say About His Performance?
Ohtani, who spoke through a translator, acknowledged the challenges of his start. “It was just that fifth inning that I wasn’t satisfied with,” he said, per AP Sports. “But the rest of the pitches were good, and I felt pretty good overall.” He emphasized the importance of the win, adding, “It’s part of the game. There aren’t many situations where you feel 100%.”
Why Does This Matter for the Dodgers?
The victory extended the Dodgers’ lead in the National League West and marked their first series sweep against the Rays since 2019, according to CBS Sports. Ohtani’s ability to pitch through injury highlights his resilience, though his recent struggles have raised questions about his consistency. Manager Dave Roberts noted, “Shohei’s fight is always there. He’s a competitor,” as quoted by the Dodgers’ official website.
What’s Next for Ohtani?
Ohtani is scheduled to start against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. His workload and injury status will be closely monitored as the Dodgers push for a playoff berth. With his dual role as a pitcher and hitter, Ohtani remains a focal point of the team’s success, though his recent outings underscore the challenges of maintaining peak performance under physical strain.