WATCH: Shohei Ohtani offers Dave Roberts a moment of calm with dugout massage during tense encounter vs. Astros
The Dodgers suffered a tough loss against the Houston Astros on Saturday night despite Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance at the plate. He was also prominent in the dugout as he was seen giving a brief massage to manager Dave Roberts.
LA Dodgers looked on track to secure an easy win at Minute Maid Park when they raced to a 5-0 lead in the top of the sixth. Shohei Ohtani had a solo home run and an RBI single to lead the way. But in the bottom of the frame, reliever Evan Phillips surrendered four runs as the hosts fought their way back into the game.
After Cavan Biggio hit a solo home run and a 2nd RBI of the night, the Astros bounced back again with singles from Jeremy Pena and Jon Singleton. In the last inning, Alex Bregman registered the walk-off homer to bring the buoyant home crowd to life. Houston took Game 2 and have an unassailable lead heading into the final game.
The tough game brought out the nerves in both camps. A moment during the game captured Shohei Ohtani trying to cheer up Dave Roberts. The Japanese superstar can be seen rubbing his skipper’s arms in a massage-like movement. as Roberts continues his conversation with others in the dugout.
Astros head into series finale as favorites to sweep Dodgers
The Houston Astros have been almost unstoppable since mid-June. In their last 30 games, they have a 21-9 record and currently possess a one-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the AL West. Because of their thumping victory in Game 1 and comeback victory in Game 2, their confidence is at its peak.
They will be looking to inflict a crushing sweep over the Dodgers. Spencer Arighetti will start on the mound for Houston and will be opposed by LA rookie River Ryan. Shohei Ohtani will once again be the key for the Dodgers, averaging at .318 with 32 home runs and 76 RBIs.
Meanwhile, the Astros will be looking to their star batters – Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez – to take them over the line.
