Ohtani Shines in Dodgers Debut as MLB Makes Historic Bow in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani made a statement in their season opener, rallying to a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres in what was a night of many firsts. Not only did the game mark Major League Baseball’s inaugural match in South Korea, but it also saw Ohtani’s highly anticipated debut with the Dodgers following his blockbuster move from the Angels. The Gocheok Sky Dome was buzzing with 15,952 fans witnessing history unfold, and they were not disappointed.

The game was a tight affair until the eighth inning when the Dodgers staged a dramatic four-run rally. The turning point came on a routine grounder that slipped through the webbing of Padres’ first baseman Jake Cronenworth’s glove, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Ohtani, who signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers, was central to the rally, delivering an RBI single that capped off the scoring.

Despite being limited to batting due to elbow surgery, Ohtani’s presence was felt throughout the game. He went 2 for 5 and, alongside Mookie Betts, who has transitioned to shortstop this season, helped set the tone at the top of the order. The duo combined to go 4 for 9, igniting the Dodgers’ offense when it mattered most.

The Padres’ pitching struggled with control, issuing nine walks and hitting a batter, which ultimately contributed to their undoing. The Dodgers capitalized on these mistakes, with Betts and Ohtani following up the error by Cronenworth with crucial RBI singles.

This opener was also notable for the star-studded lineup the Dodgers fielded. Betts, Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman became the first trio of MVPs to hit 1-2-3 in a batting order since the Philadelphia legends of 1993. The synergy between these top-tier talents was palpable and could be a sign of things to come this season.

“Shohei Ohtani (52251723213) (cropped 2)” by Mogami Kariya is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

On the mound, the Dodgers’ pitching staff held firm. Daniel Hudson (1-0) threw a one-hit seventh, setting the stage for Evan Phillips to close out the ninth with a perfect inning, securing the save and finishing a four-hitter that extended the Dodgers’ winning streak over the Padres in openers to six games.

The Padres had their moments too, with Xander Bogaerts scoring a run in the third, becoming the third player with hits in five nations. But it was the Dodgers’ night, as they showed resilience and took advantage of their opportunities.

The game was not without its drama, as a bomb threat targeted at Ohtani led to heightened pregame security. However, the police found no explosives and the game proceeded without incident, allowing the players to focus on the historic contest.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers’ rotation will see RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto make his major league debut, while the Padres will turn to RHP Joe Musgrove in hopes of bouncing back.

The Dodgers’ victory in South Korea is more than just a win; it’s a testament to the global appeal of baseball and the excitement that stars like Ohtani bring to the sport. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they can build on this electrifying start.