LOS ANGELES – It might be May, but Friday night at Dodger Stadium felt like October. The atmosphere? Electric. The stakes? As high as it gets. Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani. Power vs. Power. The New York Yankees vs. The Los Angeles Dodgers.
This wasn’t just another regular-season game. It was a heavyweight prize fight, with two of the biggest superstars in Major League Baseball going toe-to-toe. And the result? A wild 8-5 victory for Ohtani and the Dodgers, in front of 53,276 screaming fans.
If this is a preview of the 2024 World Series, sign us up for October now.
The game was as glitzy as it was thrilling, with suites going for as high as $15,000, Hollywood stars in attendance, and more than 100 reporters in the clubhouses. This wasn’t just a game—it was a May classic that gave everyone a taste of postseason intensity.
Judge and Ohtani Set the Stage with Epic Home Runs
The game began with a massive 446-foot home run from Aaron Judge in the top of the first inning. But Shohei Ohtani wasn’t about to let his counterpart steal the spotlight. In the bottom of the first, Ohtani responded with a 417-foot home run, answering Judge’s blast in the most dramatic way possible.
“I thought he was copying me,” Judge said after the game. “He’s impressive. He’s one of the best players in the game for a reason.”
This marked the first time in baseball history (including postseason) that two reigning MVP winners homered in the same inning. It was a rare and exhilarating moment for baseball fans everywhere.
“If you’re a baseball fan, it doesn’t get much better than that,” said Max Muncy, Dodgers third baseman. “It was a great baseball atmosphere. It was good to be part of it.”
There were five home runs hit in the first three innings, including four by the Yankees. But as the night progressed, it was Ohtani and the Dodgers who would have the last laugh.
Fried Falters as Dodgers Overcome Yankees’ Early Lead
The Yankees entered with Max Fried on the mound, riding a perfect 7-0 record and a 1.29 ERA. He was handed a 5-2 lead, but the Dodgers weren’t fazed. They scored four runs in the sixth inning and two more in the seventh, reminiscent of their Game 5 World Series victory last year, when they erased a 5-0 lead by the Yankees.
“Both teams started on a really good note,” Ohtani said. “And I really thought it was important to score in that situation knowing that momentum is really important in the game today.”
Ohtani Steals the Show, Hitting His 21st & 22nd Home Runs
Shohei Ohtani was the star of the night, smashing two home runs—his 21st and 22nd of the season—giving him 15 homers in May, tying a franchise record last accomplished in 1985. Ohtani also set a new team record by hitting 22 homers in the Dodgers’ first 57 games, putting him on pace for an astonishing 63 home runs and 173 runs this season.
“Shohei would probably say it’s just like any other game,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “But when you see the other reigning MVP on the other side and going out there and performing, that brings out even more of a competitor in Shohei.”
Judge Shines in Loss, Hitting His 19th Home Run
While Ohtani took center stage, Aaron Judge was still a force for the Yankees, hitting his 19th home run of the season. Judge also added his 15th double, and with a .392 batting average and 1.236 OPS, he leads the American League in nearly every offensive category.
“It’s fun, this is Yankee baseball,” Judge said. “Especially going against the Dodgers. They’re having a great start to the season. It was just a fun atmosphere out there.”
A Historic Matchup with Star Power on Display
This game felt like a clash of baseball titans, reminiscent of the glory days when the Yankees and Dodgers met 11 times in the World Series over a 40-year span. Last year’s World Series rematch only added to the anticipation for this May showdown.
“You certainly marvel at some of the players on the field tonight,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “I mean, there’s a number of MVPs, All-Stars, and just great, great players. Judge had a great game with the homer and the double and an outstanding play in the game. So, some of the stars really showed up tonight.”
“This is why I signed here,” Judge said. “To play in big games, play in big moments, play for the best team.”
Dodgers Take the Win – For Now
The night ended with the Dodgers once again emerging victorious, reminding everyone why they are the defending World Series champions. As the Dodgers celebrated, their public address announcer reminded fans about Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam from Game 1 of the previous World Series.
“We love superstars,” said Dave Roberts. “And to start the game off with Judge hitting a homer and Shohei answering in the bottom half, it was pretty exciting for everyone.”
“But it was a huge game for us to win.”
Ohtani: The Ultimate Superstar
“Every time he comes to the plate,” said Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin, referring to Ohtani, “we’re expecting something awesome to happen. And he doesn’t let us down a lot of times. So it’s really cool to have someone like that on our team.”
As the second round of this three-game series approaches on Saturday, fans and analysts alike will be watching intently for the next chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Judge and Ohtani, two of the greatest players in baseball today.
“I try not to think about it,” Judge said. “I got a job to do on the field. I try not to get too hyped into that. That’s for you guys to do.”
Stay tuned. The sequel awaits.
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