Ohtani’s Dramatic Night: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Lines Into Rare Triple Play but Powers Team with Home Run in 7–6 Extra-Inning Loss to Angels

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a whirlwind of emotions Tuesday night in Anaheim as Shohei Ohtani, the team’s two-way superstar, experienced one of the most unusual games of his career. Ohtani, known for his offensive power and pitching prowess, shocked fans when he hit into a rare triple play during the game against the Los Angeles Angels. Despite later hitting a clutch home run to give the Dodgers the lead late in the game, the Dodgers ultimately fell 7–6 in extra innings, extending their recent struggles and suffering a painful sweep at the hands of their city rivals.

The dramatic triple play unfolded in the sixth inning with the score tied and runners on first and second base. With two strikes against reliever Brock Burke, Ohtani lined a sharp shot toward the middle infield. Angels shortstop Zach Neto made a stunning grab, stepping on second base to start a double play and firing to first to complete the triple play—one of the rarest and most electrifying defensive plays in baseball. Neto’s quick reflexes and presence of mind delivered a momentum-shifting moment for the Angels.

Despite this setback, Ohtani refused to let the moment define his night. In the ninth inning, he came to the plate and blasted a 404-foot solo home run off Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. This powerful shot marked Ohtani’s 43rd home run of the season and his fourth straight game with a homer, briefly giving the Dodgers a 6–5 lead and reminding everyone why he is one of the game’s most feared hitters.

However, the Angels rallied back. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Nolan Schanuel tied the game with a sacrifice fly, sending the game into extra innings. The Angels would ultimately walk off with a 7–6 victory in the tenth inning thanks to a clutch single by Jo Adell, who drove in Taylor Ward for the winning run. This marked the Angels’ sixth consecutive win in the Freeway Series and completed a sweep over the Dodgers, who have now lost five straight games to their cross-town rivals.

The loss adds to a troubling stretch for the Dodgers, who have struggled with consistency since the All-Star break. Their once-dominant offense has been inconsistent, and the pitching staff has faced its own challenges, leaving the team in a precarious position in the playoff race. The sweep by the Angels also stings as it reinforces the Dodgers’ recent difficulties against their longtime rivals.

For Ohtani, the game will be remembered both for the rare misfortune of hitting into a triple play and for showcasing his resilience with a timely home run. He became only the second reigning MVP in recent history to hit into a triple play, joining legendary third baseman Brooks Robinson. Yet his offensive contributions remain a beacon of hope for the Dodgers as they navigate a challenging stretch.

Ohtani’s performance encapsulated the roller-coaster nature of baseball—moments of brilliance and frustration intertwined. Signed to a historic contract and celebrated for his dual-threat ability to both pitch and hit at elite levels, Ohtani remains central to the Dodgers’ hopes for postseason success. Despite the loss, his power and determination shone through, providing a glimpse of what the team needs to rally around.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers must regroup quickly as they continue to chase the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts faces the daunting task of steadying a team that has lost momentum while maintaining confidence in its core players. Ohtani’s ability to perform under pressure will be critical as the Dodgers seek to end their skid and compete for the championship.

Tuesday’s game will be remembered as a night of highs and lows—where a rare defensive gem by the Angels temporarily deflated the Dodgers, but the star power of Shohei Ohtani brought them back into contention before a heartbreaking extra-inning defeat. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball and the thin line between triumph and disappointment in this fierce cross-town rivalry.