The Los Angeles Dodgers evened their series with a 6-4 comeback win over the Baltimore Orioles on Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani got things started with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning that gave him 42 on the season. He finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored and later stole his 41st and 42nd bases of the year as well.
Ohtani became just the eighth player since 1901 to hit 10 home runs and have at least 10 stolen bases in one month. He is also on the verge of becoming the first player in MLB history with 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases in the same season.
Prior to providing fireworks at the plate, Ohtani paired with his dog Decoy (Dekopin in Japanese) for the ceremonial first pitch.
Decoy waited for a command from Ohtani and then picked up the baseball to deliver it down the middle.
“It’s a really special night. I hope to buy some special snack for him,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton after the game.
Ohtani revealed that he trained Decoy ahead of their big night. “Two or three weeks, and we even did a dry run here at the stadium,” Ohtani explained.
“We just kind of did it as a fun exercise.”
Ohtani’s dog is a Dutch Kooikerhondje, which are considered lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert. The American Kennel Club also notes the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje breed is faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home.
Dave Roberts impressed by Shohei Ohtani & Decoy
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked which performance impressed him more between Ohtani and Dekopin.
“Decoy. I heard that decoy was going to throw out the first pitch, and I just am impressed that dog was already that trained,” Roberts said.
“But I guess if it’s Shohei’s dog, I guess nothing should be surprising. So, yeah, that was pretty impressive. But Shohei, his bobblehead night, to hit a homer again, steal a couple bases. I’m telling you, it’s like any big moment, he seems to rise the occasion.”
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