ドジャース 大谷おおたに1いち打点だてん チーム連敗れんぱいストップ パドレスと首位しゅい並ならぶ

Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers played in the first game of a crucial three-game series against the Padres for the top spot in the league, contributed an RBI to tie the game, and helped end the teams losing streak.

The Dodgers, who won the first game, are now tied for first place with the Padres, with no games separating them.

The Dodgers, having suffered four consecutive losses and fallen to second place in the National League West, began a crucial three-game series at their home, Dodger Stadium, against the current first-place Padres—who lead by just one game—starting on the 15th.

In the opening game, Ohtani started as the leadoff designated hitter. In his first at-bat in the first inning, he made sharp contact with a high outside pitch, but it resulted in a lineout to center field.

In the third inning, trailing by one run, he came up for his second at-bat with the bases loaded and no outs. Although he grounded out to second, they avoided a double play, and the runner on third scored to tie the game.

Furthermore, with runners on first and third and one out, the No. 2 batter, Betts, hit a sacrifice fly to put the team ahead 2-1.

In the at-bat of the next batter, Ohtani, who was still on first base, attempted to steal second, but was thrown out by a great throw from the opposing catcher.

In his third at-bat in the 6th inning, he drew a walk, and in his fourth at-bat in the 8th inning, he struck out swinging. In this game, he went hitless in three at-bats but had one RBI and drew one walk.

Since the beginning of this month, Ohtani had recorded a hit in every game, but his consecutive games with a hit stopped at 12.

The Dodgers held on to win the game 3-2, ending their losing streak at four and pulling even with the Padres at the top of the standings.

On the other hand, in this game, Padres pitcher Yuki Matsui came on as the fourth pitcher partway through the seventh inning, threw two-thirds of an inning without allowing any runs, and did not factor into the decision.

Padres Matsui: I got too fired up. Pitcher Matsui walked the first batter he faced after taking the mound, saying, My fastball and my physical condition were both really good, but I got a little too tense.

After reflecting, saying, I got too emotional, he looked back on his tense outing and added, Even if it wasn’t pretty, I’m glad I managed to get back to the bench without giving up any runs.

Regarding the upcoming games this August against the Dodgers, who are competing for the top spot in the division, he said, The team is in a really good mood, and everyone is feeling confident both mentally and technically, so I think it will be a great stretch for us.