Cleveland, Ohio- Shohei Ohtani once again proved why he’s one of the most electrifying talents in Major League Baseball as he jumpstarted the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 7–2 road victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Monday, May 27, 2025. With his MLB-leading 19th home run, Ohtani delivered immediate impact, driving the first pitch of the game over the fence and setting the tone for a dominant night by the Dodgers.
The matchup between two playoff-contending clubs opened with a display of power and poise from Los Angeles. Ohtani, who continues to solidify his case for MVP honors, went 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored, and excellent baserunning that consistently kept the Guardians’ defense on edge. His early blast energized the Dodgers’ dugout and silenced the Cleveland crowd, illustrating the two-way star’s unparalleled ability to influence a game from the very start.
In support of Ohtani’s offensive charge, Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto turned in a commanding performance on the mound. The right-hander pitched six innings, allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out seven. With the outing, Yamamoto improved his record to 6–3 and dropped his ERA to an impressive 1.97, which now ranks second in the National League. His precise pitch command and ability to neutralize Cleveland’s key bats, particularly in high-leverage moments, demonstrated why he’s been a critical part of the Dodgers’ 2025 rotation.
Cleveland’s only offensive spark came from their perennial All-Star third baseman José Ramírez, who extended his hitting streak to a career-best 19 games. Ramírez’s consistent bat has been a lone bright spot for a Guardians offense that struggled to capitalize on limited opportunities. As the Dodgers built momentum inning by inning, Cleveland simply couldn’t generate enough run support to keep pace.
Gavin Williams, the Guardians’ starting pitcher, labored through 4.2 innings, surrendering four runs while issuing six walks. The inability to find the strike zone early put Cleveland in a constant defensive posture, allowing Los Angeles to capitalize with timely hits and aggressive baserunning. A costly error and missed double-play opportunity further compounded the Guardians’ troubles, showcasing a team still searching for consistency against top-tier opponents.
Los Angeles added insurance runs through a combination of plate discipline and opportunistic hitting. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman each contributed RBIs, while Max Muncy’s late-inning double plated two more. The Dodgers showed once again why they’re considered one of the most complete teams in the league—mixing power, speed, and elite pitching to close out games with authority.
The win improved the Dodgers’ record to 33–21, continuing their road dominance and widening their lead in the NL West. Meanwhile, the Guardians fell to 29–24 and will need to regroup quickly with the next matchup in the three-game series slated for Tuesday evening.
As the series progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Ohtani. His blend of speed, power, and presence makes him not only a highlight-reel regular but also a transformative force for a Dodgers team aiming for another deep postseason run. If this performance is any indication, Los Angeles appears poised to be a serious contender through the summer stretch.
In a season filled with standout moments, Shohei Ohtani’s leadoff homer in Cleveland may serve as yet another defining highlight—an exclamation point on a game that showcased his generational talent and the Dodgers’ championship-caliber form. As the Dodgers look ahead to Game 2, all eyes will be on whether Ohtani can continue to lead the charge in what’s shaping up to be another electrifying campaign.
