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TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 2: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from first base after hitting a single in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on August 2, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Mets 8-2 on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 over six innings on the mound. Hyeseong Kim launched a home run. Teoscar Hernandez and Kyle Tucker also went deep. Los Angeles completed the sweep and are 14-4 on the season.
The moment that decided the night came late.
Dalton Rushing stepped in during the eighth with the bases loaded and the Dodgers up 3-1. One swing later, the ball was over the wall in center field.
Grand slam. Game finished.
Rushing had already seen it coming. Or at least, Ohtani had. About 20 minutes before first pitch, the two had a quick exchange that sounded simple at the time.
“20 minutes before first pitch he said: Hey, go hit a home run today,” Rushing said. “I said alright Sho. I got you. Sure enough it happened in the last at bat.”
The best player in the world made the call. Rushing followed through.
Dalton Rushing said that Shohei Ohtani told him to hit a home run before the game and Rushing responded by hitting a Grand Slam:
“20 minutes before first pitch he said: Hey, go hit a home run today. I said alright Sho. I got you. Sure enough it happened in the last at bat.”
Before any of that, Ohtani handled his side of the deal.
He controlled the game through four innings before the Mets finally broke through in the fifth, ending his streak of 32⅔ consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. The lead was trimmed, briefly.
“I can’t go full throttle the whole time,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.
He did when it mattered. Ohtani closed his outing by striking out the side in the sixth. Ten strikeouts. One run allowed. Complete control.
Everything that followed built off that.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a strike out against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Ohtani did not hit in this one. Dave Roberts made the call after Ohtani took a pitch off the body earlier in the week. It did not matter for the Dodgers offense.
Four home runs. Two runs allowed. Another win that never really felt in danger.
Rushing added a double earlier in the game to go with the grand slam, continuing what has been a strong stretch for him. The young catcher is making a case for more consistent opportunities behind Will Smith.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Ohtani said it before the game. Rushing delivered. The Dodgers are rolling and the sweep is done. Colorado is next.
And right now, everything they are saying is turning into results.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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