Why did Shohei Ohtani scream at the umpire during NLDS Game 4 against the San Diego Padres?
The Dodgers managed to save their season with a win in Game 4 but it was not without its hiccups as seen in one moment involving the team’s Japanese star.
Shohei Ohtani’s postseason debut hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. Quite the opposite. From the back-and-forth battle that he and his team are now involved in, to the strange moment that occurred on Wednesday night, it’s been anything but smooth sailing for the two-way sensation and his team.
Shohei Ohtani lost his cool with the umpire
It was a case of just what the doctor ordered on Wednesday night, as the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to force a Game 5 in their National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. With a dominant 8-0 win at Petco Park, the Dodgers rebounded following two losses on the trot in what has been an intense duel between two teams from the NL West.
That said, it hasn’t stopped Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani from taking center stage and that was plain to see following one particular play in the fourth inning which allowed the Padres to stop the Dodgers from scoring a run, though it’s got to be said, not for the reason you’d expect. The moment came when a Teoscar Hernandez hit zipped up the left field line, opening the door for Ohtani who was on second to score.
Instead, what actually happened was that the ball hit the umpire who was at third base which in turn allowed Manny Machado to collect and throw Ohtani out at home plate. Needless to say, Ohtani was not pleased. After making his way to the dugout, the Dodgers’ star could be seen watching the replay on a tablet at which point he appeared to blow a fuse, screaming at the umpire as he did.
Of course, while we don’t condone taking umpires to task - that’s for the league to do - one can appreciate that in such a high-stakes game, emotions can get the better of us. That’s also without acknowledging the idea that the umpire in question would have had to perform gymnastics in order to avoid being hit. Whatever the case, the Dodgers lived to fight another day and for that, Ohtani should be thankful. Game 5 is set for Friday night in Los Angeles. Don’t miss it!