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Dodgers’ Two-way Star Shohei Ohtani Ends Cold Streak vs. Nationals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 2:34 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has struggled to begin the season. Through his first six games, the reigning National League MVP was 3-18 (.167 batting average) with no extra-base hits or home runs.

Ohtani changed that in his second at-bat in the top of the third inning against Washington Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas. Mikolas hung a 1-0 changeup over the middle of the plate that the five-time All-Star deposited into the right field stands for a three-run home run.

Ohtani getting his first extra-base hit and home run comes on the heels of a solid first outing on the mound this season. The two-time World Series champion went six innings against the Cleveland Guardians and struck out six but walked three.

Shohei Ohtani leaves the yard for the first time in 2026 pic.twitter.com/Sxh4Wdul5a
— MLB (@MLB) April 3, 2026

Ohtani’s blast also helped him get his first two RBI of the season. The likely favorite for this year’s MVP Award after winning three straight, one with the Los Angeles Angels (2023), Ohtani, finally getting off the snide, could send him on a heater.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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