Shohei Ohtani crushes first home run with Dodgers vs. rival Giants

Shohei Ohtani’s first Dodgers home run came against Los Angeles’ biggest rivals.

The two-time MVP hit his first long ball with his new club in the seventh inning Wednesday night against the Giants, adding to the Dodgers’ lead in a closely contested game that they won 5-4.

Ohtani hadn’t had the best start through the team’s first eight games, going 8-for-33 with a .631 OPS and just three extra-base hits.

But with a hit already scored, Ohtani was ready for more as he faced left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and the Dodgers led 4-3 in the seventh.

The Japanese two-way superstar launched a 3-1 offering to the outside corner over the right-center field wall to give the Dodgers a two-run lead.

As the ball traveled 430 feet at 105.6 mph, SportsNet LA’s play-by-play voice, Joe Davis, brought added excitement to his call.

“Drilled, uh oh, Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers first home run!” » Davis said in astonishment at the outburst.

After a brief interjection from Orel Hershiser, the two men let the game breathe as the 52,746 exuberant fans at Dodger Stadium reveled in the moment.

The fan who ended up with the ball was especially excited as a woman wearing a Dodgers cap held the ball in her right hand and held it triumphantly while fans near her celebrated.

After Ohtani trotted around the bases, he headed to the dugout and was greeted by teammate Teoscar Hernandez – who threw a large handful of sunflower seeds directly in his face.

The home run proved to be the difference, as the Dodgers won their second straight game by one run and third overall against the Giants.