- Shohei Ohtani hit a walk-off home run on his bobblehead night, leading the Dodgers to a 6-5 win over the Atlanta Braves.
- The Dodgers are now 8-0, the best start ever by a defending World Series champion.
- Ohtani is hitting .333 with three home runs and two stolen bases in eight games.
- The Dodgers overcame a 5-0 deficit, with key contributions from Max Muncy and the bullpen.
- The San Diego Padres are the only other undefeated team in MLB, setting up a potential NL West showdown.
Ohtani’s Heroics on Bobblehead Night
Shohei Ohtani delivered yet another unforgettable moment on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, hitting a walk-off home run to secure a 6-5 victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Atlanta Braves. The dramatic win came on Ohtani’s bobblehead night, adding to the significance of the occasion. The Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, improved to 8-0, becoming the first defending champion to achieve such a start in MLB history.
Historic Start for the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ 8-0 start surpasses the previous record held by the 1933 New York Yankees, who began their season 7-0. This milestone underscores the team’s dominance early in the 2025 season. Despite trailing 5-0 early in the game, the Dodgers mounted a comeback, showcasing their resilience and depth. Key contributions came from Max Muncy, who tied the game with an RBI double in the eighth inning, and the bullpen, which pitched five-year, $182 million deal last offseason, struggled in his second start, allowing five unearned runs in four innings. However, the bullpen, led by Ben Casparius, Kirby Yates, and Jack Dreyer, combined for five scoreless innings, keeping the Dodgers in the game.
Ohtani’s Stellar Performance
Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, continued his impressive start to the season. His walk-off home run was his third of the year, and he is now hitting .333 with a .459 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage. Despite still rehabbing from an injury that has kept him off the pitcher’s mound, Ohtani has been a force at the plate and on the basepaths, with two stolen bases in eight games.
Braves’ Struggles Continue
The Atlanta Braves, on the other hand, fell to 0-7, marking their worst start in franchise history. Despite building a 5-0 lead, the Braves could not hold on, as their pitching staff faltered in the late innings. Manager Brian Snitker expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about turning the season around. The Braves will look to bounce back in their home opener against the Miami Marlins on Friday.
NL West Dominance
The Dodgers’ victory also highlights the strength of the National League West. The San Diego Padres are the only other undefeated team in MLB, with a 7-0 record. The San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks have also started strong, with each team losing fewer than two games. Combined, the top four teams in the NL West have a record of 24-3, while the Colorado Rockies languish at 1-4.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers will face the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game series starting Friday, while the Braves return home to face the Miami Marlins. The Padres, meanwhile, will look to extend their undefeated streak against the Cleveland Guardians. The first meeting between the Dodgers and Padres is scheduled for June 9 at Petco Park in San Diego, setting the stage for a potential NL West showdown.
Ohtani’s heroics and the Dodgers’ historic start have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting 2025 MLB season. As the team continues to build momentum, they remain a formidable force in their quest for back-to-back World Series titles.