Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Unused Challenges Contribute to Dodgers’ 9-8 Loss to Pirates
6/11/2026, 10:59:23 PM
Game-by-Game Breakdown
On July 24, 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers met the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. After Ryan Ward’s first-career grand slam gave the Dodgers a 5-0 lead, starter Shohei Ohtani entered in the seventh inning for his third start of the season. Ohtani allowed six hits, four runs (three earned) and did not challenge two borderline 98-mph fastball calls that home-plate umpire Felix Neon ruled balls. Catcher Dalton Rushing declined to use a challenge, leaving the team with only one challenge remaining. Brandon Lowe’s two-run double off a fastball tied the game, and a five-run Pirates rally in the eighth turned a 9-8 loss into a rare defeat for the two-time defending champions.
Background: Ohtani’s Challenge Philosophy
Ohtani has traditionally deferred challenge decisions to his catchers, stating he “usually let the catchers make that determination.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has described challenging pitches as “an inexact science,” reinforcing the team’s reliance on the catcher’s view. After the game, Ohtani admitted he “could have done a few challenges” in the pivotal at-bat.
Key Players and Their Roles
- Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers pitcher and designated hitter; also hit a two-run home run in the ninth.
- Dalton Rushing – Dodgers catcher who chose not to challenge the two borderline calls.
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager, responsible for overall challenge strategy.
- Brandon Lowe – Pirates second baseman whose double shifted momentum.
- Tyler Callihan – Pirates rookie who hit his first career home run, a 427-foot shot off Ohtani.
- Don Kelly – Pirates manager, praised Ohtani’s overall talent.
- Will Smith – Dodgers starter placed on the 10-day injured list with a neck injury after the game.
Statistics that Shaped the Outcome
- Final score: Pirates 9, Dodgers 8.
- Dodgers’ record when leading after seven innings: 36-3.
- Ohtani’s season-highs: six hits, four runs, three earned runs allowed.
- Ryan Ward’s first career grand slam.
- Tyler Callihan’s first career home run (427 ft).
- Ohtani’s blister limited his split-finger fastball usage.
Official Statements & Team Responses
Roberts emphasized that challenge usage remains a judgment call, noting the limited number of challenges left after the seventh-inning calls. He confirmed that starter Will Smith would miss ten days due to a neck injury and that Ohtani would receive a week’s rest before his next rotation start. Roberts also indicated Ohtani will lead off the series finale rather than receive an additional day off, aligning with Ohtani’s expressed readiness to play.
Criticism & Internal Reflection
Post-game, Ohtani reflected that the lack of a challenge “could have been important” in the at-bat, suggesting a need for clearer communication with Rushing. The incident highlights a potential weakness in the Dodgers’ challenge protocol, especially when a pitcher’s hand injury restricts pitch variety.
Implications for the Dodgers
The loss underscores the strategic impact of challenge decisions in close games and may prompt the Dodgers to adjust catcher-pitcher coordination. With Smith on the injured list, Ohtani’s workload and the bullpen’s depth will be scrutinized in upcoming series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But looking back, I think situationally, how important it was that at-bat, looking back I think I could have done a few challenges.” — Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers pitcher
- “There’s one. It’s ridiculous what he’s able to do.” — Don Kelly, Pirates manager
- “It’s something you just have to have a conversation here and there and be on the same page,” — Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers pitcher
- “I’m always going to be prepared to play tomorrow,” — Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers pitcher
What’s Next
Ohtani is slated to lead off the series finale on Thursday, while Will Smith begins a ten-day recovery period. The Dodgers will assess challenge protocols and catcher-pitcher communication ahead of their next road series.
