Shohei Ohtani once again showcased why he is one of baseball’s most electrifying two-way players as he powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5–2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on July 21, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani both pitched and homered in a game that highlighted his rare combination of pitching prowess and offensive firepower, helping the Dodgers snap a six-game home losing skid and ignite optimism for the second half of the season.
The story of the night began in the top of the first inning, when Ohtani surrendered a leadoff home run to Twins center fielder Byron Buxton, marking the first homer allowed by the ace pitcher this season. But Ohtani quickly avenged himself in the bottom half, crushing a 441-foot two-run blast to straightaway center tallying his 35th home run of the season and the fifth of his pitching career in the first inning alone. This feat made him the first pitcher since Randy Lerch in 1979 to give up and hit a home run in the same opening frame. “It was just my mistake,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “A really good hitter like him makes you pay for it.” But Ohtani’s blazing bat answered right back, illustrating his unique dual-threat ability.
On the mound, Ohtani’s pitching was efficient and effective despite the rocky start. He completed three innings, allowing four hits, one run, and one walk while striking out three. Although the Twins consistently hit the ball hard with Statcast recording eight of 11 balls off him at over 97.5 mph Ohtani limited the damage to Buxton's solo shot. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s competitive spirit: “There’s just an extra level of focus I see in the decision-making at the plate and on the mound. He understands where we’re at, and he’s doing a great job of doing his part.”
The Dodgers’ offense did not stop with Ohtani’s heroics. Will Smith added two home runs, including a solo blast in the sixth inning and a two-run homer earlier in the game, his 14th and 15th of the season respectively. Andy Pages also contributed power with a solo home run in the seventh inning, helping build a comfortable lead. Collectively, the Dodgers ripped four homers against Twins starter David Festa and reliever Chris Sands, helping them rally from an early deficit.
Reliever Dustin May took over for Ohtani, delivering 4 2/3 scoreless innings and further stabilizing the Dodgers’ pitching after a shaky start. Left-hander Kirby Yates closed the game, striking out a key batter in the ninth to seal the win.
The victory was especially meaningful given the team’s struggles following the All-Star break. The Dodgers entered the game with a 1-4 record in July, grappling with inconsistent offense and bullpen woes. This win, sparked by Ohtani’s historic effort, marked a potential turning point. Roberts noted, “He willed this team to a victory tonight. That’s the kind of moment that can turn a whole season around.”
In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s dominant two-way performance was the centerpiece of the Dodgers’ 5-2 win over the Twins. His ability to give up a homer and immediately respond with one of his own, combined with efficient pitching and power hitting, encapsulated his rare talent and leadership. For a Dodgers team eager to climb the standings, Ohtani continues to be the key figure to watch as they push toward postseason contention.
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