Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani Returns, Hits Ninth-Inning Solo Home Run in 3-2 Dodgers Loss to Orioles
6/21/2026, 10:58:28 PM
Game Summary: Ohtani’s Return and Ninth-Inning Blast
After missing Friday’s game for paternity leave, two-way star Shohei Ohtani rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers as the leadoff hitter on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He led off the ninth inning with a solo home run off reliever Andrew Kittredge, cutting the Baltimore Orioles’ lead to 3-1. The Dodgers ultimately fell 3-2 when a Leony Tavares error allowed Freddie Freeman to score the tying run, and Kyle Tucker struck out to end the game.
Background & Context
Ohtani announced the birth of his second child on Instagram, posting “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together. Thank you for being born safely.” The announcement came a day after he was scratched from the Friday lineup, marking his first appearance as a father of two just before Father’s Day. The Dodgers had won the series opener 6-5 on a walk-off hit by Dalton Rushing.
Key Figures & Groups
- Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers DH/starting pitcher (next start Wednesday in Minnesota).
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager, commented on Ohtani’s health and upcoming start.
- Trevor Rogers – Orioles left-hander, threw seven scoreless innings, 1 H, 6 K, 2 BB.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Dodgers right-hander, allowed three runs over six innings.
- Blaze Alexander – Orioles, delivered a two-run double in the fourth.
- Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Kyle Tucker – Dodgers hitters involved in the late rally.
Data & Statistics
- Rogers: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K (record 4-7).
- Yamamoto: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K (record 7-5, ERA reported as 2.52 and 2.65).
- Ohtani: 1-for-4, 1 HR (solo, ninth inning).
- Dodgers: 2 hits (Tommy Edman’s bloop single, Ohtani’s HR).
- Orioles: 5 hits, 3 R (Alexander’s double, Tavares single, Mayo RBI groundout).
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani’s health, saying he was “assuming the baby is healthy, mom is healthy,” and noted that Ohtani is slated to pitch on Wednesday in Minnesota. Roberts also joked about finding a “baby gift” for the new arrival. Ohtani’s Instagram post expressed gratitude to fans and highlighted the safe birth of his son.
Criticism & Opposition
The New York Post criticized the Dodgers’ “slow start” and inability to solve Rogers, noting the team “spent most of the game frustrated” and failed to generate offense beyond the lone hit in the fifth inning.
On-the-Ground Reports
Newsday reported Rogers’ dominance, allowing only a single bloop single to Tommy Edman in the fifth. Blaze Alexander’s two-run double gave Baltimore a 3-0 lead in the fourth. Ohtani’s ninth-inning homer briefly revived the Dodgers, but a defensive misplay by Leony Tavares allowed Freeman to score the tying run.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Yamamoto’s season ERA: Sports Illustrated lists 2.52, while Newsday records 2.65 after the game. No other major discrepancies were noted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together. Thank you for being born safely,” — Shohei Ohtani, Instagram post
- “I’m assuming the baby is healthy, mom is healthy,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “I gotta give a baby gift. Good point. I gotta figure something out.” — Dave Roberts, interview
- “With the base hit, I was thinking about extra innings. I was thinking the play was going to be made, and I actually didn’t see it get by the catcher,” — Dave Roberts, post-game comments
What’s Next
The series finale on Sunday features Orioles starter Brandon Young versus Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan. Ohtani is scheduled to start on the mound in Minnesota on Wednesday.
