Shohei Ohtani's 25th homer and a gem from Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the Dodgers to a 6-3 win over the Padres on June 17, 2025. See how they did it.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another night at Dodger Stadium, another display of blue dominance. The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their potent formula for success on Tuesday, riding a massive three-run homer from Shohei Ohtani and a stellar outing from Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 6-3 victory over the rival San Diego Padres. The win not only extends their impressive home winning streak but also tightens their grip on the NL West.
Shohei Ohtani's fifth-inning, three-run shot was his 25th of the season, a testament to the MVP-caliber power he brings to the heart of the Dodgers' lineup.
The game felt tight through the early innings, but as he so often does, Shohei Ohtani changed the entire complexion with one swing. In the bottom of the fifth, Ohtani stepped to the plate and launched a towering three-run homer, his 25th of the year, sending the Dodger Stadium faithful into a frenzy. That blast was the decisive blow, providing the cushion the team needed and reminding everyone why he's one of the most feared hitters on the planet.
While Ohtani provided the thunder, Freddie Freeman brought the steady rain of base hits. The first baseman was simply a machine, going 3-for-4 and driving in two crucial runs. His performance raised his batting average to a blistering .330, keeping him among the league's elite hitters. The one-two punch of Freeman's contact and Ohtani's power is the engine that drives this league-leading offense.
On the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was every bit the ace the Dodgers signed him to be. He masterfully navigated the Padres lineup for six innings, striking out eight while allowing just one walk. He earned his 10th win of the season, a testament to his reliability and dominance. With an ERA now sitting at a tidy 2.64, Yamamoto is not just a top arm for the Dodgers; he's firmly in the conversation for the Cy Young award.
After Yamamoto's strong start, the bullpen shut the door, capped off by another flawless ninth inning from Evan Phillips. Earning his 18th save of the season, Phillips was cool and collected, proving once again why he's one of the most dependable closers in the game. It was a complete team effort, from start to finish.
This 6-3 victory was more than just another notch in the win column; it was a statement. The Dodgers (now 44-29) continue to prove that Dodger Stadium is their fortress and that their combination of star power and pitching depth is the class of the NL West. As they look to secure another series win against the Padres tomorrow, the message is clear: the road to the pennant runs right through Los Angeles.
