Dodgers prevail over Braves in high-scoring game, securing 10-3 victory; Sasaki clinches inaugural MLB win as Ohtani and Freeman deliver homers.
Feeling the squeeze at the plate, Freddie Freeman smashes a homer for four RBIs, while Shohei Ohtani also hits one deep in the Dodgers' 10-3 defeat of the Braves. Rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki clinches his first major league win as well, in a rain-delayed game that ended at 1:26 a.m. on Sunday.
In their first two encounters this season, the Dodgers have handed Atlanta a 5-0 record - having previously swept the Braves at home back in early 2025.
Sasaki, the 23-year-old right-hander, repaid the faith bestowed upon him since his arrival from Japan with some stellar performance. Over five innings, he permitted three runs and six hits, contributing to a promising future in the Dodgers' rotation. Although he conceded a home run to Ozzie Albies, the strong offensive support allowed Sasaki to clinch his initial victory.
Rain and lightning tampered with the game, resulting in a lengthy 3 hours, 6 minutes delay before the first pitch. The 10:21 p.m. starting time marked a new record for the latest game in Truist Park's nine-year history.
While Ohtani sat out the game as a pitcher, he didn't slack off. He warmed up in the bullpen with 35 pitches, showcasing his determination to rejoin the mound action. After undergoing surgery for his 2023 elbow injury, Ohtani is now focusing on resuming his dual role as a batter and pitcher. Although he hasn't pitched since August 2023 with the Angels, his recent bullpen session hinted at an increase in velocity, leaving fans excited for his eventual return.
However, Ohtani's recovery timeline is still uncertain, with the team prioritizing caution to ensure his pitching comeback is successful. One of the main challenges Ohtani faces is reintroducing his off-speed pitches, particularly his slider, which he has yet to throw in actual game scenarios this season.
Despite the ongoing pitching recovery process, Ohtani's contributions as a hitter have been impactful. So far in 2025, he has smashed six home runs and boasts a .288 batting average.
In tomorrow's series finale, Dodgers RHP Dustin May (1-1, 3.95 ERA) will face RHP Bryce Elder (1-1, 5.33). Regardless of the outcome, fans eagerly await Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound and his impact on both offense and defense.
Sidebar: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Comeback Progress
After suffering an elbow injury requiring surgery in 2023, Shoie Ohtani is making strides in his recovery. But his return to the pitching mound is still a couple of months away. Although he has expressed his reluctance to throw his slider, the Dodgers are prioritizing a cautious approach to ensure Ohtani can contribute effectively in both his hitter and pitcher roles when he eventually returns.
- The 23-year-old right-hander, Sasaki, received his first major league win in the Dodgers' squad after leaving Japan, showcasing a stellar performance.
- In the sports world of baseball, Shohei Ohtani hasn't pitched since August 2023, but he recently displayed a hint of increased velocity during a bullpen session, fueling excitement for his eventual return.
- Ohtani, despite recovering from an elbow injury, has contributed significantly as a hitter, amassing six home runs with a .288 batting average in the current 2025 season.
- Although Freeman, Ohtani, and their teams met on the baseball field, the AI hasn't provided specific updates on the progress of Ohtani's pitching comeback in MLB.
- In the near future, fans eagerly anticipate Ohtani's return to the mound and the impact he will have on both his offensive and defensive performances in MLB baseball.
