Ohtani Bats Leadoff as Dodgers Face Braves, Chases 31st Home Run
Listen to the story
Shohei Ohtani took part in the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Atlanta Braves, batting first in the lineup.
Ohtani played as the designated hitter, a role that lets a player bat without playing in the field.
He was aiming for his 31st home run of the season. He had gone five straight games without hitting one.
Two teammates, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, batted near Ohtani in the lineup. All three players have won the MVP award, given to the best player in the league, at some point in their careers.
This made them a strong trio at the top of the Dodgers' batting order.
Pitcher Tyler Glasnow also started for the Dodgers in this game. He had recently returned from the injured list, a list for players who cannot play because they are hurt.
His return gave the Dodgers another strong pitching option for the rest of the season.
Fans and reporters were watching closely to see whether Ohtani would hit his 31st home run in this game against the Braves.
The report also noted that Ohtani had reached base in 11 straight games before this one, showing he was in good form.
It also mentioned that he has hit six home runs against the Braves, suggesting he plays well against this team.
Vocabulary6 words
- lineup
- the list and order of players who will bat in a game
- designated hitter
- a player who only bats and does not play in the field
- MVP
- Most Valuable Player; the best player award
- injured list
- a list of players who cannot play because they are hurt
- trio
- a group of three people
- batting order
- the order in which players hit the ball in a game
Quiz
Answer key
1. Designated hitter 2. 11 3. Tyler Glasnow
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Shohei Ohtani took part in the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Atlanta _____, batting first in the lineup.
Ohtani played as the _____, a role that lets a player bat without playing in the field.
He was aiming for his _____ home run of the season.
He had gone five straight games without hitting a _____.
Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts have all won the _____ award at some point in their careers.
Pitcher Tyler Glasnow had recently returned from the _____ list.
The report noted that Ohtani had reached base in _____ straight games before this one.
It also mentioned that he has hit _____ home runs against the Braves.
Discussion questions
- Why might a manager choose to bat a strong player like Ohtani first instead of lower in the lineup?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a designated hitter compared to a player who also fields?
- Why do you think teams are careful about bringing pitchers back from the injured list?
- Do you think personal streaks, like reaching base many games in a row, matter for a team's success?