They entered Oracle Park with the shadow of a 7-game losing streak – the longest losing streak of the season, shaking the confidence of fans.
But when they left the field, the Los Angeles Dodgers did something few would have believed possible: winning a thrilling 2–1 victory over the San Francisco Giants, with steely spirit, a decisive hit from Michael Conforto and, above all – an emotional return from Shohei Ohtani on the mound.
Ohtani: Three short innings, worth a thousand pieces
Nearly a year since his elbow surgery, Shohei Ohtani returned to the pitching role for the first time.
He pitched just three innings, but:
No runs,
Only one hit,
Hit four strikeouts – leaving more than 40,000 Giants fans holding their breath.
This wasn’t just a few throws. It was a bold statement from the superstar the Dodgers paid more than half a billion dollars: Ohtani was still special.
“I just want to get on the mound one more time,” Ohtani said, his voice still shaking.
Michael Conforto – the unlikely hero
The game seemed to be going to the Giants, but Michael Conforto – who was still considered a “strategic reserve” – stepped up.
In the seventh, Conforto’s RBI single put the Dodgers up 2–1, after he scored the first run on a fielding error.
It wasn’t a flashy moment, but it was a crucial one – exactly the kind of win the Dodgers were craving.
The Steel Bullpen Locks Down the Enemy
After Ohtani, Emmet Sheehan and Alex Vesia took turns to keep the score even in the 4th-8th inning.
The climax was closer Tanner Scott – who threw his 19th save of the season in the 9th, despite the tremendous pressure from the Oracle Park stands.
Scott’s final pitch – hitting 98 mph – was like a declaration: “The Dodgers are still here, and still dangerous.”
A victory of patience
Don’t forget, the Dodgers are missing a series of pillars:
Mookie Betts is still injured,
Max Muncy is not back,
The pitching rotation is also in disarray.
In that situation, a close victory is still more precious than gold.
And more importantly: the Dodgers reminded themselves – they are a great team, born to overcome storms.
The numbers speak for themselves
The Dodgers raised their record to 57-39, continuing to lead the NL West.
Shohei Ohtani – Perfect ERA (0.00) in first pitching back.
Tanner Scott – 19th save of the season, keeps faith in bullpen.
A message from the Bronx to the league
“We may be down, we may be tired … but don’t think we’re dead,” said manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers may be in a tumultuous season, but Ohtani’s pitching, Conforto’s hitting and the steely bullpen last night proved:
Even at their worst, their identity is still there – and still enough to keep the league on its toes.
This was more than a win in the stats.
It was a victory of belief, of comebacks, and a message to every opponent:
“The Dodgers may be hurt, they may be tired – but don’t ever count us out.”