Dodgers star Mookie Betts gesture toward his dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernández, left, makes a running throw to first base in front of shortstop Mookie Betts for an out on the Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan India during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a solo home run off of Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, right, hits a solo home run as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson watches during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, second from left, heads to first after hitting a solo home run as Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas, left, and catcher Tyler Stephenson, second from right, watch along with home plate umpire Kerwin Danley during the XX inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts reacts to his leadoff home run, to take a 1-0 lead, during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts scores after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, right, celebrates his leadoff home run with Shohei Ohtani during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, is congratulated by Shohei Ohtani after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, has sunflower seeds thrown at him by teammate Teoscar Hernandez after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, celebrates his leadoff home run with teammate Teoscar Hernández during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas throws to the plate against the Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani grimaces after a swing in front of Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani connects with the ball as he grounds out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts makes a throw to first in front of the Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson to complete a double play during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches the flight of his two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
See AlsoHot Weather Poses New Risk as Thousands Remain without Power after Deadly Houston StormSevere storms kill at least 4 in Houston, knock out power in Texas and Louisiana - The Republic NewsPro-Palestinian protesters set up a new encampment at Drexel UniversityTexas judge orders new election after GOP lawsuit challenged 2022 election result in Houston areaDodgers star Shohei Ohtani heads to first after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani gestures as he heads to second after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani gestures toward his dugout as he rounds third after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after his two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates his two-run home run next to Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, celebrates with teammate Will Smith after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, has sunflower seeds tossed at him by Teoscar Hernandez after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has sunflower seeds tossed at him by Teoscar Hernandez after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Mike Ford reacts to his strikeout during the fourth inning of their game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts loses his grip on the ball while failing to turn a double play during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan India celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run following an error by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts to trail 3-1 to the Dodgers, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, left, and second baseman Gavin Lux talk after failing to turn a double play during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Stuart Fairchild, right, celebrates with teammate Will Benson after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Stuart Fairchild celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton reacts to a solo home run from the Cincinnati Reds’ Stuart Fairchild during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward reacts as he breaks his bat on a pop fly in front of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson for an out during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, right, hits a solo home run as Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson hits a solo home run off of Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, left, watches the flight of his solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, right, gestures toward his bullpen as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run as Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman looks on during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson puts the home run robe and helmet on teammate Tyler Stephenson after he hit a home run during the sixth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani grounds into a fielder’s choice during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, is safe at first as Cincinnati Reds first baseman Jeimer Candelario misses the throw during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. Ohtani advanced to second on the overthrown ball. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani rounds third on the way to scoring on a single by Will Smith during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani scores on a single by Will Smith as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson stands at the plate during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani slides as he scores the go-ahead run past Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, yells after scoring on a single by Will Smith as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson stands at the plate during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring on a single by Will Smith during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, left, fails to block a wild pitch from Fernando Cruz as the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández stands at bat, allowing Freddie Freeman, not pictured, to score during the seventh inning on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman scores on a wild pitch from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Fernando Cruz during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux, right, celebrates with teammate Freddie Freeman after Freeman scored on a wild pitch during the seventh inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward gestures as he rounds second after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward reacts as he crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward (23) celebrates with teammates Kike Hernández, center, and Andy Pages after Heyward hit a two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson, right, and cactcher Will Smith celebrate after the final out of a 7-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Members of the Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, second from right, congratulate each other after the Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-3 in a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman walks on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, upper left, warms up before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch as his son Uriah looks at Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy prior to a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The 2005 Heisman Trophy belonging to former USC running back Reggie Bush is seen before Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, top, poses with his family and the 2005 Heisman Trophy before throwing out the ceremony first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The 2005 Heisman Trophy belonging to former USC running back Reggie Bush is seen before Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, left, jokes with laughs after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Former USC running back Reggie Bush, left, and former USC quarterback Matt Leinart meet on the field after a ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, left, jokes with former USC quarterback Matt Leinart after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after a throwing session before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller, left, jokes with Shohei Ohtani prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller, right, jokes with Shohei Ohtani prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
A young fan looks at Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani after he gave her a ball prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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LOS ANGELES — Friday morning, Shohei Ohtani, Dave Roberts and other members of the Dodgers’ organization were at city hall where the Los Angeles City Council declared May 17 “Shohei Ohtani Day” in L.A. for as long as Ohtani plays for the Dodgers.
Before the game Friday night, Ohtani was asked jokingly if there were any special traditions he would like to establish for Ohtani Day. He played along and laughed off suggestions of gift exchanges or special decorations.
Asked what an appropriate food might be for future Ohtani Day meals, he said, “Sushi” – then as he walked away, “Or pizza.”
A few hours later, Ohtani marked the day in his own way, hitting a two-run home run and later scoring the tie-breaking run as the Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds, 7-3.
“He didn’t homer on his bobblehead day (on Thursday) so he was due to homer on some significant Ohtani day,” Roberts said. “We’ll take the home run on Shohei Ohtani Day.”
The opposite-field home run in the third inning was Ohtani’s 13th of the season, tying him with Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson and Houston’s Kyle Tucker for the major-league lead.
Ohtani’s homer built on an early lead supplied by Mookie Betts, who led off the game with a home run. It was the 51st leadoff home run of his career, fifth all-time.
But the Reds chipped away against James Paxton to tie the score in the sixth inning on Tyler Stephenson’s solo home run.
Their first run scored during a rough defensive inning for Betts in the fourth. Betts made a throwing error as the run scored and, on the next play, dropped a potential double play ball on the turn at second base, settling for a forceout.
“Making errors really bothers me. It really, really bothers,” Betts said. “Just have to be better than that, man. It doesn’t just affect me, it affects Paxton to throw more pitches. I just have to keep working.”
With the score tied 3-3, Kiké Hernandez led off the seventh inning with a single. Two batters later, Ohtani hit a hard ground ball at first baseman Jeimer Candelario. Candelario got the forceout at second base but shortstop Elly De La Cruz’s return throw – pointless because Ohtani was too fast to be doubled up on the play – went into the Reds’ dugout.
“Obviously he hit the ball hard to Candelario there,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s ground ball, which had an exit velocity of 100.5 mph. “Kiké did a great job that doesn’t get noticed. He ran inside the baseline. That forced the high throw to De La Cruz then forced the errant throw to the first baseman.
“Just a heads-up play by Kiké and running the ball out by Shohei.”
Ohtani went to second on the throwing error. After an intentional walk of Freddie Freeman, Will Smith shot a ground ball into left field for a single that drove in Ohtani with the go-ahead run. Freeman went to third on the play then scored on a wild pitch by Reds reliever Fernando Cruz.
“It’s an open base. You sort of pick your poison,” Roberts said of Reds manager David Bell’s decision to walk Freeman and have the right-handed Cruz pitch to Smith. “But to me, if you’re going to pitch to Will, I’ll take our chances any day.”
In the eighth inning, Jason Heyward broke the game open with a two-run home run off another Reds reliever, Alexis Diaz. Heyward was activated from the injured list before the game.
“It’s huge. It kind of put the game out of reach at that point and it’s a good welcome back,” Betts said of Heyward’s homer. “I’m glad he’s back.”
Heyward had been out since March 30 with a lower back strain and went 0 for 6 on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City this week, ending that after two games.
“He was getting very antsy not playing,” Roberts said. “Certainly a two-game rehab is not very extensive, given the time he was off. Jason even said it – ‘I just want to get back in this environment, I think it’ll make me better, kind of speed up the process of getting back into the flow of things.’”
No rehab assignment can prepare you for major-league competition, Heyward said.
“I don’t think there’s such a thing as ready or not, I think it’s a mental thing,” he said. “You can go have an amazing rehab stint, and then come back. You’re still going to have to adjust. It’s still a different game. There’s still different information. No disrespect to anyone that’s not here – but guys here are the best at what they do and they know how to execute.
“I just tried to keep making adjustments. I’m going to have to make adjustments the next day, the next day and the next day. Fifteen years of experience will help you do that.”
Leadoff blast for Mookie Betts! 🫡💥 pic.twitter.com/T7DEbD8GuG
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
13th homer of the year for Shohei Ohtani 💪 pic.twitter.com/tQlbQ7WqkH
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
The #Dodgers are back in front thanks to a Will Smith single! pic.twitter.com/3K782xREf3
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
"Across the board it was really good." Dave Roberts on tonight's win over the Reds. pic.twitter.com/78Ko9XTk7c
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
Mookie Betts on his defense at short: "Making errors really bothers me… You just have to be better than that, man. That's really all it is… got to keep working." pic.twitter.com/R8ggnfCiYN
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
J-HEY LIFTOFF 🚀 pic.twitter.com/54OIvTP6J9
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
"Awesome to be back out there, I'll never take that for granted, playing the game. But it's huge to get an at-bat like that, add on, keep some pressure off of us." – Jason Heyward on his return. pic.twitter.com/EeWkHEqZcg
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 18, 2024
