Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is having an outstanding season on both the mound and at the plate. The Japanese star had another impressive start on Wednesday in the series finale against the Twins at Target Field, helping the Dodgers secure a 4-3 victory and complete an exciting series sweep. This win brings the team’s season record to 52-29.
During Ohtani’s outing, there were moments when he and catcher Dalton Rushing disagreed on ABS challenge calls. On a few pitches called balls, Ohtani immediately raised his hands to challenge, but Rushing stopped him, believing the calls were correct. A viral video of the on-field disagreement between the duo, shared by Jomboy Media on X, has garnered almost a million views.
Take a look here:
Although the Dodgers won and Ohtani finished with eight strikeouts over six innings, the brief disagreement between Rushing and the Japanese star has since gone viral on social media, prompting fan reactions.
Mookie Betts hit his 300th career home run with the bat, while Ohtani, Muncy, and Call each drove in a run against Twins starter Joe Ryan, who finished with nine strikeouts. Shohei delivered another strong all-around performance and might become the first player since Clayton Kershaw in 2014 to win both the MVP and Cy Young awards in the same season.
Dalton Rushing Professes Building Good Partnership With Shohei Ohtani as ‘Battery Mates’
Rushing has been catching for Ohtani since Will Smith, the preferred backstop, was placed on the injured list. This was Rushing’s third game as a battery partner with Ohtani. Last week, after his second start with the Japanese ace, the catcher emphasized the importance of developing a stronger rapport with Ohtani, as the two-way pitcher consistently expects the best from him and his teammate each game.
“Obviously, we expect close to perfection out of Sho every time he goes out there. So does he, out of himself. But there’s no piece to worry at all. Obviously I think I can build a little better relationship moving forward, based off what has happened. Whether we get hit around here, hit around there, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. I think it’s just a learning lesson for both of us,” Rushing said last week.
Rushing and Ohtani will make their fourth start as battery mates in the series finale against the Oakland Athletics at Raley Field in West Sacramento on Wednesday (July 1).
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
