Ohtani Finally Breaks Scoring Drought in Dodgers Win Against Rockies

LOS ANGELES, CA — After a quiet start to the season with runners in scoring position, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani broke through in a game against the Colorado Rockies on April 16, 2025. Ohtani, who had struggled early on, recorded his first hit with a runner on base during the Dodgers’ 8-7 victory.

Throughout the beginning of the season, Ohtani, renowned for his exceptional hitting prowess, did not notch a single hit with a runner in scoring position until the seventh inning on Wednesday. He had previously managed only eight RBIs in the first 20 games, with most of his scoring coming from solo home runs.

“Shohei’s in a good spot,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We just need to get some guys on base for him.” Ohtani has hit six home runs this season, but the low RBI count highlighted overarching issues in the Dodgers’ lineup, particularly from the lower batting order, which has struggled with a collective .173 batting average.

Despite falling short of his own high standards, Ohtani holds an impressive .930 OPS, ranking him among the top 20 in Major League Baseball. “I think overall, it’s been a really good first 20 games,” he remarked, referencing the early part of the season.

Until Wednesday’s performance, Ohtani was notably absent from clutch hitting opportunities, receiving only nine at-bats with runners in scoring position. “In four of those spots, he was walked,” noted Roberts, presenting a dilemma of whether to move Ohtani further down the lineup for more RBI chances.

The Dodgers’ recent game showcased improvements from the bottom of their lineup, a necessary development as the team looks for consistency. Backup catcher Austin Barnes, who entered the game without a hit this season, contributed significantly by doubling right before Ohtani’s crucial RBI single. Notably, other struggling players, such as Max Muncy and James Outman, stepped up offensively, with Muncy reaching base three times.

Muncy, who faced challenges early in the season due to adjustments in his swing mechanics, stated, “The ball sped up on me the first few series and I really wasn’t myself.” He credited recent practice adjustments for his improved performance, making it essential for the entire lineup to find rhythm for Ohtani to capitalize.

As the season progresses, the Dodgers will rely heavily on their bottom-tier hitters to maintain consistent opportunities for Ohtani and others at the top of the batting order. With Ohtani on pace for another potential 40/40 season, the need for capable players in scoring positions becomes even more critical.