The Dodgers’ offseason made waves in baseball history, marked by the acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, considered one of the sport’s greatest talents, and a spending spree exceeding $1 billion in contracts.
In a remarkable transformation, the Dodgers assembled a star-studded roster boasting three former Most Valuable Players in Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Ohtani, along with the highest-paid pitcher in history, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This influx of talent instantly thrust them into the spotlight, setting sky-high expectations and inviting intense scrutiny.
Their season debut against the Padres showcased the firepower of their 2024 lineup, as they stormed back with four runs in the eighth inning to secure a 5-2 victory at the Gocheok SkyDome in Seoul, South Korea.
Reflecting on the win, Ohtani emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “The way we came back late in the game demonstrates our strength as a unit.”
For much of the game, the Dodgers struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities against pitcher Yu Darvish, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position until the eighth-inning breakthrough. Despite this, starter Tyler Glasnow’s solid performance kept them within striking distance.
The eighth inning rally began with a leadoff walk by Max Muncy, followed by hits from Teoscar Hernández and James Outman. A stroke of luck, with a ball breaking through Jake Cronenworth’s glove, propelled the Dodgers ahead, and key hits from Betts and Ohtani sealed the win.
While acknowledging missed opportunities, Ohtani praised the team’s collective effort, with seven of the nine starters reaching base safely. Every player contributed to the victory, embodying a relentless and grinding approach to each at-bat.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the newfound attention on the Dodgers and Major League Baseball, foreseeing more exciting games ahead. With a potent lineup capable of delivering at any moment, the Dodgers have set the stage for an electrifying season.
