Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani gives himself run support with lead-off HR

The Los Angeles Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani the greenlight to hit before facing the Colorado Rockies. All while also earning the pitching start from manager Dave Roberts.

Ohtani swung back to a familiar sight: Leading off with the home run, now his second in a week. He provided his own run support on this rip too:

SHOHEI LEADOFF HOMER TO PROVIDE HIS OWN RUN SUPPORT! pic.twitter.com/stk8KZ03O6

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 28, 2026

Ohtani first took a strike looking 86 miles per hour splitter on the first pitch from Tomoyuki Sugano. The Rockies’ starter then went after Ohtani with consecutive four-seam fastballs. But Ohtani blasted his 93 miles per hour four-seamer on the third pitch. Ohtani’s latest homer traveled 424 feet into the Los Angeles sky before clearing the center field wall.

The two-time World Series winner even overcame a brief ailment ahead of Wednesday’s home showdown. Ohtani absorbed a hit from a pitch by Kyle Freeland. And he took the hit right before taking the mound for this contest.

Clearly the reigning Most Valuable Player felt unfazed by the hit on the opening batting sequence. He set the tone for Freddie Freeman to tack on another homer. Freeman blasted his own solo shot 378 feet toward left center field. Sugano came after Freeman with a 80 mph curve ball but paid the price.

Los Angeles jumped to a 2-0 lead following the pair of home run blasts. Ohtani, meanwhile, struck out one then forced a pop and fly out to start the top of the first inning. The right-handed pitcher switched from four-seam fastball, sweeper, sinker and threw one curve ball to start the game. Though he trusted the sweeper more in the opening inning, turning to that pitch on five throws.

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