In the latest clash between the Dodgers and the Angels, things got spicy with a strategic move that backfired spectacularly. The Angels decided to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani off the mound, clearly aiming to avoid facing the two-time MVP, and instead take their chances with Mookie Betts. Well, let’s just say that strategy didn’t quite work out the way they’d hoped!  

With the Dodgers already ahead 3-2 thanks to Miguel Rojas’ clutch RBI single, the Angels made a high-stakes gamble: they intentionally walked their former star, Shohei Ohtani, to face Mookie Betts. Betts, never one to shy away from the spotlight, seized the moment with a thunderous swing. He launched the very next pitch from Roansy Contreras over the left-field fence, delivering a jaw-dropping three-run homer that electrified the crowd and solidified the Dodgers’ lead.

Mookie Betts’ three-run homer following Angels’ decision to walk Ohtani

Mookie Betts stepped up to the plate and made the Angels pay big time. With a thunderous swing, Betts launched a three-run homer that left fans and players alike in awe. This wasn’t just any home run—it was only the third time in Betts’ storied career that he’s capitalized on an intentional walk like this. The other two instances? David Ortiz back in 2016 when Betts was with the Boston Red Sox, according to SportsNet LA. In an interview with Mookie Betts, he said “I just knew they walked Shohei to get to me , I was just like all right that’s really what you want but fortunately it went well.” 

So, while the Angels might have thought they were playing it safe by walking Ohtani, they ended up feeding the fire of a red-hot Mookie Betts. “The biggest part of all this is being able to play at this stadium in front of the Anaheim fans,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “That was the part that was special for me. … Most importantly, it’s about winning the game, and I’m glad we won.” Shohei Ohtani’s return to Angel Stadium was nothing short of electrifying. On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Angels rolled out a heartfelt tribute video, celebrating Ohtani’s remarkable tenure with the team.

Shohei Ohtani’s tribute video highlights his stellar Angels career

This wasn’t just any return; it marked exactly one year since Ohtani played his final game as an Angel. The tribute video was a loving homage to Ohtani’s six unforgettable seasons with the Angels. It showcased his incredible feats: 171 home runs, 437 RBIs, and a stellar slash line of .274/.366/.556. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ohtani didn’t just wow fans at the plate—he also dazzled on the mound. With a 38-19 record, a sparkling 3.01 ERA, and a whopping 608 strikeouts over 481.2 innings, he proved himself as one of the most dynamic two-way players in history.

Reflecting on the game, Ohtani took a balanced view. “When you look back at today’s game, there were moments when we didn’t come through,” he said, adding, “But there were times when we were able to capitalize and that’s the way we try to win some games. I think it’s a really good thing for us as a team that we were able to do that tonight.” When asked about Mookie Betts’ game-changing three-run homer in the 10th inning, Ohtani wasn’t surprised. “I’m not really surprised that Mookie came through in that kind of fashion,” he noted. “It’s the kind of way we like to finish the game.”

Since signing that jaw-dropping $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers, Shotime has continued to redefine greatness. The two-time MVP is having another stellar season in 2024, with 44 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 46 stolen bases. And with the Dodgers cruising at 83-55 and Ohtani gearing up for his first postseason appearance, it’s clear that his impact is as profound as ever. Could this be the year that Ohtani finally leads his team to a World Series title? Share in the comments.