Ohtani Gets a Hit, but Dodgers Lose to Braves
Shohei Ohtani batted in the leadoff spot as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game against the Atlanta Braves.
Before the game, fans hoped Ohtani would hit his 31st home run of the season, since he had not hit one in six games.
In the second inning, Ohtani had a chance to give his team the lead. Instead, he hit a fly ball to center field and did not score.
Roki Sasaki was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers in this game. He was hoping for his sixth win of the season, but his teammates could not score enough runs to support him.
The Dodgers' catcher, Fedushia, hit a timely single that tied the score for the team.
Later in the game, Ohtani got a hit of his own. It was his first hit in three games.
This game also marked the first time that pitchers Will Smith and Austin Shauber faced each other in a game.
Despite the tying hit and Ohtani's hit, the Dodgers lost the game in a close finish.
The loss ended the team's six-game winning streak, which had been one of their best runs of the season.
Teo, another Dodgers player, returned to the starting lineup for this game after missing some time.
Vocabulary6 words
- designated hitter
- a player who only hits, not plays defense
- home run
- a hit that lets a player score without stopping
- starting pitcher
- the pitcher who begins the game
- winning streak
- many wins in a row
- starting lineup
- the players who begin the game
- timely single
- a hit at an important moment that scores a run
Quiz
Answer key
1. Hit a home run 2. Fedushia 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Shohei Ohtani batted in the leadoff spot as the _____ for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fans hoped Ohtani would hit his 31st _____ of the season.
In the second inning, Ohtani hit a fly ball and did not _____.
Roki Sasaki was the _____ for the Dodgers in this game.
The Dodgers' catcher, Fedushia, hit a _____ that tied the score.
Later in the game, Ohtani got a _____ of his own.
This game marked the first time pitchers Will Smith and Austin Shauber faced _____.
The loss ended the team's six-game _____.
Teo returned to the starting _____ after missing time.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fans were excited about Ohtani's chance to hit his 31st home run?
- How important is a starting pitcher's performance if his team does not score enough runs?
- What do you think it means for a team when a long winning streak ends?
- Why might returning players, like Teo, be important for a team's success?