Baseball has a way of giving us moments that are more transcendent than a mere score — that are part of the game’s rich narrative. Sometimes, the magic happens off the bat of a superstar. Other times, it’s an unexpected catch that steals the show.
And on a single May evening in 2025, such a delightful event occurred. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ encounter with the Miami Marlins provided not just thrilling plays, but a truly unforgettable, laughter-filled incident involving Shohei Ohtani and a team physio.
The Dodgers began their May 5 contest against the Marlins at loanDepotPark. Teoscar Hernández promptly gave Los Angeles the lead with an RBI double in the very first. The lead expanded in the third. Freddie Freeman launched a big two-run homer, his seventh of the season. It was also his 350th homer of his illustrious career. This early surge pushed the Dodgers to a 3-0 advantage against Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. The game was already buzzing even before the main event started.
Then came the poetry in motion, a truly remarkable play in the fifth inning. Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ global icon, stepped up and launched his ninth home run of the season. The powerful drive took off for the Dodgers’ bullpen. Physical therapist Jonathan Erb, incredibly, not only caught the ball but had reportedly predicted Ohtani’s homer. Ohtani later shared a close-up photo of Erb’s beaming face on Instagram, adding a crying-laughing emoji. Teammate Blake Snell, though on the injured list, chimed in on the post, dropping emojis, reflecting the broader amusement.
It’s not just a one-time, feel-good post on Instagram either, it truly mirrors “Shotime’s” character. He consistently celebrates moments with the entire team fabric, showing his grounded nature. For instance, he gifted high-end headphones to over sixty teammates and staff when they visited Tokyo in 2025. Ohtani also presented a thoughtful departure gift to former first base coach Clayton McCullough. Even his playful pranks with manager Dave Roberts highlight a genuine connection with key team personnel. Such gestures underscore his strong bond with the vital support system around him.
A winning combination: Ohtani’s performance and Dodgers’ dominance
After Ohtani’s home run and Erb’s celebrated play, the game continued with more milestones. Dodgers rookie Hyeseong Kim proudly recorded his first career Major League hit with a single. And Freeman’s 41st home run against the Marlins, placing him in a tie with Ryan Howard and Ryan Zimmerman for the most by any Marlins opponent.
However, Teoscar Hernández unfortunately had to leave the game early with left hamstring tightness. The Marlins attempted a comeback in the eighth when rookie Agustin Ramirez smashed a three-run home run. The Dodgers secured a 7-4 victory, with Ben Casparius earning the win and Kirby Yates his first save.
Ohtani’s fifth-inning blast was his second homer off Sandy Alcantara in just a week. He previously hit a leadoff solo home run against the Marlins’ ace on April 29. In their two 2025 meetings, Ohtani went 2-for-8 against Alcantara, both hits being home runs. Alcantara, returning from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him in 2024, expressed frustration with his performances. His ERA had risen to 8.42 after the May 5th game.
Oh, and how is Ohtani’s season going, other than that performance? As of May 6th, he boasted a .292 average with nine home runs. “Shotime” also posted 13 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, and a respectable. 984 OPS. His 37 runs batted in were even more impressive, which led the league and proved that he was a force to be reckoned with offensively. Ohtani is adding to his record-breaking 2024 MVP and World Series victory, and just showing how good he is.
Certainly, the Dodgers, powered by such performances, are enjoying their season. After the win, they found themselves in first place in the National League West with a record of 24-11. That also made them the team with the best record in the National League. A big reason the Dodgers could have done so is Ohtani’s sustained excellence. What other astounding moments will this season bring for Ohtani and the high-flying Dodgers? Fans eagerly watch every single game.
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