Shohei Ohtani Enjoyed ‘Special Weekend’

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a series win over the Cincinnati Reds with a 3-2 victory on Sunday, propelled by Shohei Ohtani’s walk-off single in the 10th inning.

The hit capped off a memorable week for the two-way star. It started with his bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium on Thursday before being honored at Los Angeles City Hall on May 17 in what will now be known as “Shohei Ohtani Day” for the duration of his Dodgers career.

Ohtani reflected on the past few days after helping the Dodgers earn their third consecutive win, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:

“Overall, it was a special weekend,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, alluding to his bobblehead night on Thursday and the Los Angeles City Council proclaiming May 17 as “Shohei Ohtani Day” on Friday. “I wasn’t able to get a base hit during my bobblehead day, but I was able to end it on a very good note.”

Ohtani’s walk-off hit was the second of his career and first since 2020. It came off Alexis Díaz, who is one of the tougher relievers in baseball:

“He has a unique delivery, so I just wanted to make sure I put the ball in play,” Ohtani said. “I’m just happy I was able to put together a good at-bat.”

Ohtani went 3-for-14 with a home run, three RBI, two runs scored and a walk during the four-game series against the Reds.

The 29-year-old is in the midst of another MVP-caliber season as he entered Monday hitting .353/.423/.658 with 16 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 33 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 47 games.

Shohei Ohtani wants Angelenos to celebrate May 17 with sushi or pizza

When asked how Angelenos should celebrate May 17, Ohtani suggested with sushi or pizza.

The other two most recent Dodgers to receive a day of honor from the city have been Fernando Valenzuela and Justin Turner, with days being dedicated to them on Aug. 11 and Jan. 22 respectively.