The much anticipated series that represented a rematch of the 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees got off to a strong start at Dodger Stadium, and it also saw some history made in the process.
Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, started off the Yankees with a solo home run in the first inning. That was answered back by Shohei Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, who tied the game with a leadoff homer of his own.
“I think both teams started on a really good note and I think it was important to be able to score another run in that situation, knowing that momentum is really important in a game like today,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Will Ireton after the game.
With the home runs from both of Judge and Ohtani, it marked the first time in MLB history that both reigning MVPs homered in the first inning of the same game.
It also became just the second time both reigning MVPs homered in the same game, including playoffs. The first time it happened was when Barry Bonds and Miguel Tejada both homered on June 20, 2003.
Ohtani went on to slug another home run to give him two on the day. That started a rally for the Dodgers in the sixth inning when they went on to score four runs and take the lead.
The Dodgers designated hitter finished the game 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Judge also picked up two hits, finishing his day 2-for-5 with a double, one run scored and two RBI.
Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge repeating MVP winners?
With nearly 60 games into the season, Judge and Ohtani are both the consensus favorites to win their respective MVP Awards once again, and there is no one else all that close to making a case for themselves ahead of either superstar.
Ohtani has appeared in 55 games, batting .294/.394/.670 with 22 home runs, 61 runs scored, 37 RBI, 11 stolen bases, a 187 wRC+ and 3.2 WAR. He’s also expected to resume pitching after the All-Star break, which would further strengthen his case.
Judge has played in 56 games, hitting .392/.486/.750 with 19 home runs, 52 runs scored, 48 RBI, four stolen bases, a 240 wRC+ and 4.8 WAR. He has been far and away the best hitter in MLB this season, and he is on pace to finish with another historic campaign.
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