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Freddie Freeman Jokes About Unrealistic Expectation For Shohei Ohtani After Walk-Off Loss to Angels

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 7:53 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers still can't solve Shohei Ohtani's former team. The reigning World Series champions fell prey anew to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night, suffering a 7-6 loss in the second leg of a three-game series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

Despite the loss (and being on the wrong end of a rare triple play), Ohtani found a way to shine, like he always does.

The five-time All-Star scored the first run of the contest, and with the score tied in the top of the ninth inning, he launched a solo home run that momentarily gave the Dodgers the lead. After Alex Vesia blew a save in the bottom of the ninth inning, Ben Casparius gave up a walkoff RBI single to Jo Adell, ultimately wasting Ohtani's clutch heroics for the Dodgers.

While they have already lost the series, the Dodgers can redeem themselves this Wednesday, with Ohtani scheduled to start on the mound.

Following the walk-off loss to the Angels, Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman expressed confidence in Ohtani and quipped about his teammates' all-around brilliance.

“Shohei on the mound (tomorrow). So see if he can throw nine innings and hit seven home runs," Freeman joked about his fellow National League Most Valuable Player (h/t Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register).

The Dodgers are counting on Shohei Ohtani to deliver in the series finale vs. Angels

Ohtani always comes up with surprises, and he could have new ones for the Dodgers in the series finale against the Halos.

The 31-year-old Ohtani is still looking for his first pitching win in the 2025 season, as he's 0-0 with a 2.37 ERA through 19.0 innings pitched (eight starts). He should feel comfortable throwing pitches this Wednesday, considering the location. He has a career 21-8 record with a 2.22 ERA and an average of 11.98 strikeouts per nine innings over 47 starts at Angel Stadium.

Conversely, Ohtani's bat could light it up again. The Angels are expected to start Kyle Hendricks on the mound, and Ohtani is 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs plus a walk in his career opposite the veteran right-handed hurler.

The Dodgers have seen their lead atop the National League West completely evaporate, as their loss to the Angels and Wednesday’s win by the San Diego Padres over the San Francisco Giants have resulted in identical 68-52 records for LA and the Friars.

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

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