Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — On a memorable night for Dodger fans, Shohei Ohtani’s dog stole the show by throwing out the first pitch on Ohtani’s bobblehead night. But the excitement didn’t end there. Ohtani himself had a standout performance, hitting a home run and stealing two bases. After the game, Ohtani shared his thoughts on this special evening.
“Tonight turned out to be a very special night,” Ohtani said. “From my first at-bat, things went well. It felt good to contribute one last time towards the end of the game, and overall, I think it was a great night.”
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Ohtani noted the importance of resilience, both in pitching and hitting. “Pitching after a tough outing can be challenging, but tonight’s persistence on the mound helped keep the team in the game,” he explained. “The lineup managed to stay resilient, too, and I think that made for a very good game overall.”
Ohtani also discussed his preparation and strategy, specifically mentioning his study of Barnes’ tendencies for base-stealing opportunities. “We prepare before the game, but during the game, I also observe and share what I see with my teammates. This helps us make adjustments and capitalize on opportunities,” Ohtani said.
Reflecting on the night’s events, Ohtani added, “It was an unforgettable evening. I might even buy my dog a treat for doing such a great job.” He chuckled as he recalled the crowd’s reaction to his dog throwing the first pitch. “When I arrived at the stadium, I was surprised to see fans lined up from 5:30 a.m. I thought there might be some other event going on,” he laughed.
When asked about the training for his dog’s pitch, Ohtani revealed, “We practiced for two to three weeks, even coming to the stadium once to rehearse. It was more like playing than strict training, but it worked out well.”
Overall, the night was a blend of fun, excitement, and strong performances both on and off the field, making it a memorable experience for Ohtani and the fans alike.
