Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance reached new heights Wednesday night as he delivered a six-inning, two-hit shutout and batted 3-for-4 with two walks, pushing his ERA to 0.74—the third-lowest mark in MLB history at this point in the season—and his batting average back above .300 for the first time since Opening Day. The Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-0 at Chase Field, cementing Ohtani’s status as the game’s most transcendent talent while raising questions about whether he’s now baseball’s best pitcher too.
A Historic Two-Way Performance
Ohtani’s performance wasn’t just dominant—it was statistically rare. Since at least 1900, only four players have pitched at least six scoreless innings while reaching base five times in a single game. Ohtani is the only one of those four who didn’t throw a shutout, a testament to his dual-threat brilliance that has redefined the two-way position since MLB’s “Ohtani rule” was implemented in 2022. That rule, which allows pitchers to remain in the lineup after their starts, was designed with players like Ohtani in mind—though no one anticipated the level of dominance he’d bring.
Wednesday’s game was the latest in a string of near-flawless starts for Ohtani, who has yet to see his ERA crack 1.00 this season. Through his first 10 starts, his 0.74 ERA is the third-lowest in MLB history at this point in the season, trailing only two other pitchers since earned runs became a stat in 1913. His ability to suppress runs while also contributing offensively has made him the most valuable player in baseball, a status reinforced by his 3-for-4 performance with two walks off the bench.
Ohtani’s pitching was particularly impressive. He retired the first 11 batters he faced, extending his hitless streak to 9 ⅔ innings dating back to his last start. His only blemish came in the fourth inning when Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno poked a two-out double down the line, but Ohtani quickly shut down the Diamondbacks’ momentum. By the sixth inning, when Arizona finally put two runners on base, Ohtani had already established himself as the game’s most clinically dominant pitcher.
The Two-Way Equation
Ohtani’s ability to excel on both sides of the ball is what makes him unique. While most two-way players struggle to contribute meaningfully as hitters, Ohtani has become a .300 hitter while also posting a sub-1.00 ERA as a pitcher. His offensive contributions aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, “Every run is a premium” with Ohtani on the mound. His offensive production helps set the tone for the game, and his ability to get on base frequently—even as a pitcher—keeps defenses honest.
Wednesday’s game was a perfect example. Ohtani reached base five times, four of which came while he was still on the mound. His ability to walk and draw hits while pitching has forced teams to adjust their strategies, often leading to more aggressive pitching approaches that can backfire. The Diamondbacks, for instance, struggled to exploit Ohtani’s weaknesses, partly because his offensive contributions made it difficult for them to focus solely on his pitching.
Ohtani’s post-pitching hitting was equally impressive. After his six-inning shutout, he came off the mound to bat in the seventh inning and went 3-for-4 with two walks. His ability to stay hot at the plate, even after a grueling pitching performance, is a rare skill in baseball. As catcher Will Smith put it, “He’s the best player that’s ever walked this earth. It’s fun to see him each and every day going out there and competing, giving us six scoreless innings, getting on base a bunch. You don’t do that all the time.”
“I’m pleased with where I’m at right now.”
Context: The Diamondbacks’ Struggle
The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, found themselves on the wrong end of another one-sided loss. After dropping a 6-5 decision to the Dodgers on Tuesday, Arizona entered Wednesday’s game looking to bounce back. However, they were unable to capitalize on multiple opportunities, leaving 12 runners on base and going just 2-for-12 with men in scoring position. Their offense, which had shown flashes of life in the early going, simply couldn’t produce the big hits needed to overcome the Dodgers’ early lead.
Arizona’s struggles were compounded by their inability to execute in key moments. Nolan Arenado, who hit a two-run double in the seventh inning on Tuesday, found himself in another clutch situation Wednesday but came up empty. “I wish I could have done it in my last at-bat, too,” Arenado said after grounding into a double-play. “Just didn’t get it done.” The Diamondbacks’ inability to close out games has become a recurring theme this season, and Wednesday’s loss was another example of their frustration.
Dodgers starter Michael Soroka, who had struggled in his first two innings, managed to settle down and pitch six strong frames. However, it was Ohtani who stole the show, combining his pitching and hitting into a performance that left little doubt about who the game’s most dominant player is. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, continue to search for consistency, with manager Torey Lovullo acknowledging that their offense simply couldn’t produce the big hits needed to overcome the Dodgers’ early lead.
What Comes Next
Ohtani’s latest performance has only intensified the debate over whether he’s the best pitcher in baseball right now. While he doesn’t have the same number of innings as some of his peers, his ERA and strikeout rates are elite. His ability to suppress runs while also contributing offensively makes him a unique force in the game, one that has redefined what it means to be a two-way player.
For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s dominance is a major reason for their success this season. His ability to carry the team on both sides of the ball has made them a formidable force, and his latest performance only reinforces that. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks continue to struggle, with their inability to execute in key moments becoming a growing concern.
The bigger question, however, is how long Ohtani can maintain this level of dominance. After a second Tommy John surgery in his career, there are legitimate concerns about his long-term health. But for now, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. His latest performance is just the latest chapter in what has already been one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball history.
As the season progresses, Ohtani’s ability to stay healthy and maintain his two-way dominance will be critical. If he can continue to perform at this level, he could very well go down as one of the greatest players in baseball history. For now, though, the focus remains on the present—and Wednesday night, Ohtani was at his best yet.
