Shohei Ohtani Dominates Dodgers, Strikes Out Mike Trout Twice

The much-anticipated return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound at Angel Stadium — this time in Dodgers blue — felt like a real moment for baseball fans. Facing his old team for the first time as a visitor, Ohtani showed flashes of his pitching and hitting skills, even though the Dodgers walked away disappointed.

Fresh off Tommy John surgery and still working up to longer outings, he gave a gutsy, if imperfect, performance. The Angels mounted a late rally and took a 6-5 win.

Ohtani’s Emotional Return to Angel Stadium

From 2018 to 2023, Ohtani was the heart of the Angels, stacking up a 21-8 record and a 2.22 ERA in 47 starts at Angel Stadium. Now, for the first time since leaving Anaheim, he stepped back onto that mound — but as the enemy — and the crowd definitely felt the tension.

Dominance Turned Duel in a Familiar Setting

His first start at the stadium since surgery lasted 4.1 innings. He gave up five hits and four earned runs, striking out seven and throwing a season-high 80 pitches.

It wasn’t quite vintage Ohtani, but he flashed his old form as he works his way back. Before this, he hadn’t thrown more than 55 pitches in any outing this year.

A Hot Start on Both Sides of the Game

Ohtani wasted no time making an impact. Leading off for the Dodgers in the first, he smashed a triple and scored just a few minutes later on a Mookie Betts RBI single.

That jump-start helped the Dodgers grab a 3-0 lead and, for a moment, quieted the Angels crowd.

Angels Respond with Power

The home team answered right back. In the second, Taylor Ward crushed a solo homer, and the Angels quickly tacked on another run to make it close again.

From there, the game turned into a real back-and-forth battle.

Key Moments on the Mound

Ohtani’s start looked decent on paper, if not dominant. He managed to strike out two-time MVP Mike Trout twice, which is never easy — especially against a former teammate.

But in the fifth, his control slipped and the pitch count piled up. After allowing a two-run double to Zach Neto, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts brought in lefty Anthony Banda.

Season Context and Recent Performances

Earlier this month, on August 6 against the Cardinals, Ohtani struck out eight batters in four innings, showing he’s steadily building stamina. He also had a minor scare earlier in the year, leaving a start against the Reds with a right hip cramp, but dodged anything serious.

Offensive Output and Final Result

At the plate, Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a walk and three strikeouts. He couldn’t add to his first-inning fireworks.

The Dodgers’ early lead slipped away as the Angels kept clawing back. In the end, the Angels edged out a 6-5 win and spoiled their former star’s return.

• Ohtani threw a season-high 80 pitches, which is a good sign for his recovery.
• He struck out seven, including Mike Trout twice.
• His leadoff triple set an early tone for the Dodgers.

What’s Next for Shohei Ohtani

If you’re a Dodgers fan, there’s still reason to feel good. The team’s been slowly ramping up Ohtani’s workload, getting him ready for the stretch run.

His ability to help both on the mound and at the plate is still unmatched in baseball. It’s hard not to wonder just how far he’ll take them when he’s fully back.

Building Toward October

Los Angeles wants another deep postseason run. Ohtani’s health and rhythm will matter a lot.

This return to Anaheim felt heavy with emotion and nostalgia. The Angels got the win, but Dodgers fans saw enough from their two-way phenom to believe his peak form might be right around the corner.

Love him or fear him as an opponent, Shohei Ohtani keeps showing why he’s one of the most compelling athletes of this generation. Wednesday night just added another chapter to his growing legend.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani pitching results: Dodgers star strikes out Mike Trout twice