On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Angels made a strategic decision to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani in the 10th inning. Unfortunately for them, Mookie Betts was waiting in the on-deck circle and ready to make them regret that move.
The game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Angels was tied 2-2 at Angel Stadium as it headed into extra innings. The Dodgers quickly took advantage of the “ghost runner” rule, driving in the runner from second to gain a 3-2 lead. With two outs and a runner in scoring position, Ohtani stepped to the plate, representing a potential game-tying run. Rather than risk pitching to the two-way sensation, the Angels opted to intentionally walk him, bringing up Mookie Betts.
What happened next was a statement. On the very first pitch he saw, Betts crushed a hanging breaking ball deep to left field, launching a three-run homer that blew the game wide open, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 6-2. The powerful swing not only sealed the win for the Dodgers but also sent a clear message that Betts wasn’t someone to be underestimated.
After the game, Betts reflected on the moment during his postgame interview with Spectrum SportsNet Live. “It kinda went so fast, I don’t even remember,” Betts said of the at-bat. “They walked [Ohtani] to get to me, and I was just like, ‘alright, that’s kinda what you want.’” Clearly, Betts took it personally and wasted no time proving why he’s one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.
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The Dodgers went on to close out the bottom of the inning, securing the 6-2 victory. Betts’ clutch home run capped off a stellar performance, as he finished the night 2-for-5 with four RBIs. His offensive firepower continues to be a major asset for the Dodgers this season. With the home run, Betts raised his total to 15 on the season, alongside 62 RBIs, proving once again why he’s one of the most valuable players in the league.
The decision to walk Ohtani and face Betts instead was a gamble by the Angels that backfired spectacularly. While intentionally walking Ohtani, one of baseball’s most feared hitters, might have seemed like a safe option, it was a bold move considering Betts’ talent. The former MVP seized the opportunity to make them pay, reminding everyone that choosing to pitch around one superstar doesn’t mean you can avoid another.
For the Dodgers, the win was yet another example of how deep and dangerous their lineup can be. With players like Betts stepping up in key moments, the team remains a dominant force in the National League. As for Betts, his response to the Angels’ decision only adds to his reputation as one of the most clutch players in the game, always ready to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
In a game that saw both teams battling deep into extra innings, Mookie Betts proved to be the difference maker, turning what could have been a nail-biter into a comfortable Dodgers win with one swing of the bat.
It was a moment that not only secured the victory but also sent a message to future opponents: walking one star doesn’t guarantee safety when another one is standing in the box.
