Shohei Ohtani gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead off just the second pitch of Game 4 between the Mets and the Dodgers Thursday night.
The Japanese superstar sent a sinker from Jose Quintana 422 feet into the right field bullpen to jumpstart the second game of the series at Citi Field.
It was the first time that Ohtani has had a hit without a runner in scoring position during this year’s playoffs.
Ironically, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had been asked about the very topic during a team workout at Citi Field on Tuesday and didn’t seem too worried that Ohtani – at that point – hadn’t had a hit without runners in scoring position.
“I just think that early on it’s just funny how things change where there was a lot of concern about Shohei not being able to get hits with the runners in scoring position. And now we’re all trying to find ways that he’s — have to get guys on base so he can hit, right? I kind of find that comical, a little bit,” Roberts said.
The Mets currently trail in the best-of-seven series 2-1 with one more game scheduled to take place in Queens on Friday.