The Dodgers erupted from their dugout, celebrating a 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. This win clinched their National League West title, but amid all the festivities, one player had his priorities straight: Shohei Ohtani. As the team celebrated around him, he went straight towards his wife, Mamiko, and their adorable dog, Decoy.  You could see the joy in his eyes, with just his little family in the spotlight – a reminder that while the games are thrilling, the real wins happen off the field. Isn’t that what truly counts?

Shohei Ohtani, who’s gearing up for his first-ever postseason, drove in the game-winner for the second straight night. Defeating the Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium, his team kept their legendary run alive, clinching their 11th NL West title in the last 12 seasons. Ohtani, still buzzing from the victory, shared a joyful moment with Mamiko and Decoy; the trio was all smiles as they posed for photos. After the game, a reporter asked Ohtani about the emotions he was feeling, with the 30-year-old replying, “This series was something special. It was really something that stood out this year obviously. To be able to clinch it. It’s the reason why I’m here.”

After the big win, a jubilant Shohei Ohtani and his Dodger teammates, including fellow countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto, celebrated in style—dousing each other with champagne. Now, the Dodgers are gearing up for their first postseason game on October 5 in the division series, having secured their spot as one of the top two teams by winning percentage. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing during the game – there was a moment of concern when Freddie Freeman rolled his right ankle while trying to dodge a tag at first base in the seventh inning. With the postseason looming, every player’s health is crucial.  

A moment of concern amidst celebration  

The game had its tense moments, especially when the Dodgers were trailing 2-0 entering the seventh inning. Will Smith kicked things off by tying the game with a monster two-run homer off Padres starter Joe Musgrove. Then, it was Shohei Ohtani’s turn to shine—he delivered a clutch go-ahead RBI single, sneaking it right through the right side of the infield. Mookie Betts stepped up and added an exclamation point with a two-run single, sealing the deal for the Dodgers’ 41st comeback win of the season. But moments later, concerns arose as fans watched Freeman roll his ankle.  

As Freddie Freeman tried to dodge a tag at first base, he rolled his right ankle badly, just two steps past the bag. The veteran slugger and former MVP collapsed to the ground in obvious pain. A wave of gasps went through the stadium, but gladly, he managed to walk off the field and made his way back to the clubhouse. After the game, Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, reassured everyone that the X-rays on Freeman’s ankle came back negative. “We’re not overly worried,” he said, but also confirmed that Freeman won’t be playing this weekend against Colorado.  

In the postgame celebration, Freeman was seen on crutches and sporting a walking boot – a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in baseball. With the Dodgers gearing up for the postseason, they’ll need Freeman at full strength to make a deep run.