Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has struggled to begin the season. Through his first six games, the reigning National League MVP was 3-18 (.167 batting average) with no extra-base hits or home runs.
Ohtani changed that in his second at-bat in the top of the third inning against Washington Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas. Mikolas hung a 1-0 changeup over the middle of the plate that the five-time All-Star deposited into the right field stands for a three-run home run.
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Ohtani getting his first extra-base hit and home run comes on the heels of a solid first outing on the mound this season. The two-time World Series champion went six innings against the Cleveland Guardians and struck out six but walked three.
Ohtani would finish the game going 2-5 and drive in four of the Dodgers’ 13 runs. Ohtani also scored a run, walked, and struck out twice. The 31-year-old raised his batting average to .217.
Ohtani’s blast also helped him get his first two RBI of the season. The likely favorite for this year’s MVP Award after winning three straight, one with the Los Angeles Angels (2023), Ohtani, finally getting off the snide, could send him on a heater.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.