Craig Counsell criticizes "Ohtani Rule" as Cubs rally past Dodgers
The Sporting Tribune's Fredo Cervantes writes about the Cubs win and Craig Counsell's recent comments on the "Ohtani rule".
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. LOS ANGELES — The noise started hours before first pitch, but by the time the final out settled at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, the Cubs had made sure the loudest statement came on the field. The Chicago Cubs arrived in Los Angeles riding a nine-game winning streak.
They left with 10, outlasting the Dodgers 6–4 on Friday night in a game that carried more edge than your typical April game. Much of that edge stemmed from pregame comments by Cubs manager Craig Counsell about the so-called “Ohtani Rule,” and the measured response from Dave Roberts. It gave an otherwise early-season game the feel of something bigger.
And for six innings, it looked like the Dodgers might turn that energy into a statement win. Behind a dominant outing from Emmet Sheehan and a thunderous swing from Will Smith, the Dodgers built a 4–0 lead and controlled the game. Smith’s three-run homer in the third inning, his third of the season, provided the early jolt, while Sheehan carved through a Cubs lineup that had been one of baseball’s hottest.
Sheehan’s line was as crisp as it’s been all season: 6⅓ innings, 10 strikeouts, one run. Against a team that hadn’t lost in over a week, it was the kind of performance that typically ends in a win. But the moment he exited, everything shifted.