Shohei Ohtani Impresses in Dodgers vs Chicago White Sox Cactus League Game

By: Angela Redding | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Beat magazine | February 27, 2024
Photos: MLB Dodgers

Shohei Shows Up

Dodgers Game Recap

Date: February 27, 2024 – Spring Training – Day game

Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago White Sox

Location: Camelback Ranch, AZ

Starting Pitchers:

Dodgers: Bobby Miller – Spring debut

White Sox: Garrett Crochet

Highlights

Shohei Ohtani Makes His Cactus League & Dodgers Debut

First Inning

Bobby Miller made his Spring Training debut today, and after 14 pitches, Miller gave up a hit to Lloyd Jimenez, who hit the ball down the center, bringing in the first run of the game.

Bottom of the first Crochet on the mound to face Ohtani. Ohtani swings hard at the 4th pitch, loses his helmet, and it’s a strike. Crochet’s fifth pitch to Ohtani strikes him out.

Score: 1-0 White Sox

Bottom of the Third

Bottom of the third Mookie Betts comes up to bat and hits one into right field, getting on base. The Dodgers have men on first and third. Ohtani comes up to bat for the second time in the game and hits the ball to second base. A double play by the White Sox – Betts is out at second base, and Ohtani is thrown out at first.

Not looking good for the two-way player at this point in the game.

Ramos comes in to tie the score- 1-1.

Fourth Inning

Miller is done and Grove comes in to pitch the fourth inning. Andrew Vaughn hits a fair fly ball just inside the right field line, and the White Sox have men at second and third. Dejong comes up and hits a three-run line drive home run into the bullpen off of Grove.

Score: 4-1 White Sox

Top of the fifth it is a 1, 2, 3 inning for Gage.

Ohtani’s Debut

Bottom of the fifth and Ohtani is up to bat again. Not looking to strike out a second time, Ohtani positions himself at the plate and hits a pop-up, two-run home run into left centerfield after three pitches. This is the Shohei Ohtani Dodgers fans expect to see.

Ohtani rounds the bases, slaps hands with Freeman who is waiting to bat, other teammates, and is done for the day.

Score: 4-3 White Sox

Closing Out the Game

The Dodgers put up a good fight and took the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Dodgers catcher Chris Okey hit a three-run home run to give the team the lead.

The Boys in Blue bring home the win with a score of 9-6 at the end of the ninth inning.

Shohei in Dodger blue. 💙 pic.twitter.com/0rvHxWargC
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 27, 2024

Quick quote:

Ohtani spoke with the media with the help of his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara after his home run debut as a Los Angeles Dodger.

“I definitely felt good at the plate, (it) felt better each time. We’re trending in the right direction.”

Final score: 9-6 Dodgers

NEXT GAME: NEXT GAME: Dodgers @ Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Wednesday at 12:05 PM PST. Yoshinobu Yamamoto expected to make Cactus league and Dodgers debut.