With the count being 1-1, Ohtani timed Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy 's 92 miles-per-hour sinker before winding his bat up to launch the ball 440 feet to center field into the stands to help gain Los Angeles' first lead of the game, 2-1.

Yashinobu Yamamoto has been a true ace for the Dodgers in 2025, but Ohtani's pitching talent is enough that, when the time comes, he could be a Game 1 starter in a playoff series. If the Dodgers have a tough decision on their hands in that regard come Fall, then Ohtani's return went incredibly well.

The righthander gave up one run on two hits, throwing 37 of 54 pitches for strikes and also launching a two-run homer, his 39th of the season.