Shohei Ohtani Shakes Off Rough Second Inning, Dodgers Sweep Twins

Shohei Ohtani demonstrated visible displeasure after a challenging second inning in which he allowed three runs against the Minnesota Twins. In response, the pitcher began calling his own pitches using the PitchCom device on his left arm, a move that preceded a significant turnaround in his performance.

Following the rough second inning, Ohtani did not allow another run over the next four innings. He finished the game having pitched six innings, recording eight strikeouts, and improving his season record to 8-2. During this stretch, he struck out six of the 14 batters he faced. Ohtani also contributed offensively, going 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored.

The struggles in the second inning appeared to stem from a lack of communication with catcher Dalton Rushing, who has been filling in for the injured Will Smith. One run in the inning was unearned due to a passed ball. Ohtani's frustration was evident when he gestured for Rushing to challenge a call, which Rushing initially refused but was later overturned. Ohtani had also sought a challenge on a call in the first inning that Rushing did not accept.

Mookie Betts Continues Hot Streak

Mookie Betts had a significant offensive game, marking the 300th home run of his career. He contributed a single in the Dodgers' three-run third inning and added a double in the fifth. Over his last 11 games, Betts is batting .378 with three home runs, including three three-hit games and five multi-hit games in that span.

Freeman and Rushing

First baseman Freddie Freeman also had a strong series against the Twins. He hit the go-ahead home run in the series opener and had a 3-for-5 performance with two doubles and two RBIs in Saturday's win. In the series finale, Freeman reached base three times, going 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Catcher Dalton Rushing struggled at the plate, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. He was particularly vulnerable against Twins starter Joe Ryan, who recorded strikeouts on a combined six pitches in the second and fourth innings.

The Dodgers are scheduled for a day off on Thursday before beginning a series in San Diego on Friday. The Dodgers plan to start Roki Sasaki (3-4, 4.76 ERA) against the Padres' Walker Buehler (3.96 ERA).