Dodgers Slip to Second Place After Ohtani’s Performance

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to second place in the National League West after a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium. This defeat caps a disappointing stretch for the Dodgers, who have only won 12 of their last 33 games, a stark contrast to their nine-game lead just six weeks ago on July 3.

In the game, Shohei Ohtani showcased his dual-threat capabilities, initially igniting the Dodgers’ offense with a lead-off triple that contributed to a three-run first inning. Ohtani then took the mound, aiming to complete five innings for the first time since undergoing a second repair on his ulnar collateral ligament. He held a 5-2 lead entering the bottom of the fifth inning but was forced to exit after throwing a season-high 80 pitches, following a sequence of hits that allowed the Angels to narrow the gap.

The Dodgers’ bullpen, already burdened by injuries to key relievers, faltered again, surrendering the lead in the eighth inning. A bases-loaded, two-run single by Logan O’Hoppe sealed the Dodgers’ fate. Despite their efforts, the team has struggled offensively, posting a .661 OPS since Independence Day, ranking as the seventh worst in the majors.

Following the defeat, Ohtani expressed the team’s frustration. “Obviously, it doesn’t feel good to fall into second place and to lose a lot of these games,” he said through an interpreter. “We’re doing everything in our power… to try to right the ship.”

Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think we’re constantly giving ourselves chances to win. Right now, that’s what we can ask for.” As the Dodgers prepare to face the San Diego Padres in a crucial series starting Friday, they find themselves trailing by just one game. This marks the first time since April 27 that the Dodgers are not in first place, according to ESPN Research.

The Padres enter the series riding a five-game winning streak, bolstered by the recent health of their starting rotation and successful trade deadline acquisitions made by general manager A.J. Preller. The team added standout closer Mason Miller, starting catcher Freddy Fermin, and two impactful bats in Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano on July 31.

The last matchup between the Dodgers and Padres was marked by tension, with multiple players hit by pitches and a benches-clearing incident. Betts attempted to downplay the stakes of the upcoming series, saying, “It’s big… but we can’t make it more than what it is. We have to just look at it as the same game as today.”

Wednesday’s game was notable for Ohtani, as it marked his first appearance as a visitor at Angel Stadium and his first encounter with Mike Trout since striking him out during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani struck out Trout twice during the game, reinforcing his status as a formidable opponent.

Additionally, Ohtani’s performance comes amid a legal controversy involving a lawsuit from a Hawaii real estate investor, which he has stated will not distract him from his focus on the game. “I’m focused on what the team is doing… to make sure we bring a W on the field,” he affirmed.

As the Dodgers head into the weekend series against the Padres, the pressure mounts to regain their footing in a tightly contested division. With the postseason approaching, every game becomes critical in the pursuit of a successful 2023 season.