Shohei Ohtani struck out four times in his first game but remains unconcerned; Roki Sasaki is trusted as a reliable pitcher in crucial moments.

During the NLDS opener, the Dodgers relied on Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki to start and finish the game, ultimately defeating the Phillies 5-3 to claim the first win of the series. The two teams will compete in the second game tomorrow, with the Dodgers striving to secure a win and take a series advantage before heading back to LA. After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed no concern over Ohtani’s four strikeouts at the plate and described Sasaki as a “trustworthy pitcher in key moments,” though he will not be designated as the permanent closer.

This Division Series is a best-of-five format. In the opener, Shohei Ohtani pitched six innings, striking out nine batters, allowing only three hits, and issuing one walk while giving up three runs. Later, the Dodgers took the lead with a three-run homer by outfielder Teoscar Hernández, crediting Ohtani with the win. In the bottom of the ninth, Roki Sasaki came in and closed the game efficiently with just 11 pitches, earning a save. However, Ohtani struggled at the plate, striking out four times—twice looking—and reaching base only once via a walk.

After a day off, the Dodgers will continue their road series against the Phillies tomorrow. In a recent interview, manager Roberts commented on Ohtani’s hitting, noting that the Phillies’ starting left-hander performed well in Game 1, causing Ohtani to swing and miss multiple times, missing scoring opportunities. “But I believe he will adjust by tomorrow,” Roberts said confidently. Despite facing another left-handed pitcher in Game 2, Roberts remains optimistic: “I’m not worried at all.”