Shohei Ohtani hits first-pitch leadoff HR, then lowers ERA to MLB-best 0.73
Shohei Ohtani did Shohei Ohtani things on Wednesday.
In a precautionary move to take the load off their superstar, the Los Angeles Dodgers kept Shohei Ohtani out of the lineup for his three previous starts as a pitcher. They decided to make him a true two-way player again Wednesday. They were rewarded.
Ohtani homered on the first pitch of a game that would decide the NL West leader going into the weekend. It was his eighth home run of the year and his sixth career first-pitch leadoff homer. Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill appeared close to snagging it, but the 405-foot blast made it into the seats.
Ohtani didn’t do much as a hitter after that, going 1-for-4 with the homer and a walk. He did plenty as a pitcher, though, throwing 5 scoreless innings with 3 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Shohei Ohtani is FIRED UP after escaping a bases-loaded jam!
pic. twitter. com/YMG6CIMJbr — MLB (@MLB) May 21, 2026 The 4-0 win improved the Dodgers’ record to 31-19, 1.