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Shohei Ohtani on the Wrong Side of History in Dodgers-Blue Jays Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 6:53 AM ET

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, but failed to do so after a spectacular appearance by rookie Toronto pitcher Mason Fluharty in a tense outing in the ninth inning.

The Blue Jays were ahead by a run entering the bottom of the ninth frame, but found themselves in big trouble after the Dodgers loaded up the bases, thanks to the free passes issued by Toronto reliever Jeff Hoffman to Andy Pages, Max Muncy and Alex Call. With all the bases occupied and just one out, the Blue Jays decided to pull Hoffman and give the ball to Fluharty, who stepped up and delivered the goods for his team.

Fluharty turned heads when he struck out reigning National League Most Valuable Player Shohei Ohtani and retired another former MVP in Mookie Betts, who grounded out to finish the contest. Toronto came away with a 5-4 victory, with Fluharty pulling off a rare feat not seen since 2002, according to OptaSTATS.

Via OptaSTATS: "Mason Fluharty of the @BlueJays recorded his first MLB save by retiring two batters, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, with the bases loaded. The last MLB save, which saw two former MVPs retired with the bases loaded, was by Trevor Hoffman on 9/15/02 (Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent)."

Ohtani did his damage early in the game, ripping a solo home run that went 400 feet deep in the first inning. Against Fluharty, Ohtani labored through nine total pitches, striking out swinging on an 83 mph sweeper that was down the strike zone. Overall, Ohtani went 2-for-4 with two walks and two strikeouts.

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers’ lead in NL standings narrows

Despite how things ended for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers versus the Blue Jays, they are still atop the National League West with a 68-50 record. Ohtani is also still faring well overall at the plate, slashing .284/.388/.620 with 41 home runs and 77 RBIs through 116 games.

That being said, the Dodgers' lead atop the division has been dwindling, with the San Diego Padres gaining ground. Los Angeles is just ahead of the Padres by two games in the division's standings through Sunday.

Up ahead for the Dodgers is a Freeway Series against Ohtani's former team in his old stomping grounds, as they face the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium for a series that starts this Monday.

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

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