Shohei Ohtani and his four-legged companion stole the spotlight in Hollywood on Wednesday night with an unforgettable performance.
In a game that perfectly blended baseball with a touch of canine charm, Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar, launched a home run during his first at-bat in the opening inning against the Baltimore Orioles. The moment was made even more special as it followed a unique ceremonial first pitch thrown by his beloved dog, Decoy, in celebration of the duo’s bobblehead night.
Ohtani’s stellar performance didn’t stop at the home run. He racked up two hits, scored three runs, and swiped two bases, leading the Dodgers to a 6-4 victory. With this performance, the frontrunner for the NL MVP is on track to achieve an extraordinary milestone of 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases in a single season.
Reflecting on the special evening, Ohtani shared his joy postgame. “It’s a really special night,” he told MLB.com’s Juan Toribio. “I hope to buy some special snacks for him,” he added, referring to his loyal canine companion.
The night wasn’t just memorable on the field. Dodgers fans created a buzz on social media as they lined up early in the morning to snag the coveted promotional giveaway. The first 40,000 fans through the gates received the exclusive bobblehead, the second one featuring Ohtani this season.
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To add to the excitement, a limited number of gold edition bobbleheads were also randomly distributed, making the night even more thrilling for the lucky recipients.
This remarkable evening showcased not only Ohtani’s extraordinary talent but also the special bond between him and Decoy, making it a night to remember for both baseball fans and dog lovers alike.