Did you see Shohei Ohtani’s incredible performance last night? On his own bobblehead night, the superstar delivered his first Dodgers win, striking out nine with a dazzling new approach on the mound. It’s clear Ohtani is just getting started, but what’s next for the two-way phenom?

Shohei Ohtani delivered a masterful pitching performance on his highly anticipated bobblehead night, securing his first victory as a Los Angeles Dodger and striking out a season-high nine batters in a dominant 5-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

The electrifying right-hander not only clinched his inaugural win in Dodgers blue, but his stellar outing also completed a crucial three-game series sweep against the Reds, solidifying the team’s standing in the National League West.

A significant development in Ohtani’s Wednesday night performance was the unprecedented reliance on his curveball, a pitch he deployed 23 times out of 87, marking a career-high usage rate of 26 percent. This strategic shift suggests a deliberate adjustment by both Ohtani and the Dodgers pitching staff.

The efficacy of the revitalized curveball was undeniable; Reds batters managed only one harmless grounder off it, while whiffing four times on seven swings and watching six more land for called strikes. Notably, the pitch registered an average velocity increase of 3.7 mph, hinting at a refined technique or grip.

This commanding display served as a powerful rebound from Ohtani’s two prior challenging starts and marked the first time this season he completed the fifth inning. The Dodgers’ cautious approach to his workload, designed to gradually ramp him up for the postseason, appears to be yielding promising results.

While his pitching stole the show, Ohtani also contributed offensively, going 1-for-5 with a run scored, though a deep fly ball to the warning track narrowly missed adding to his tally. The Dodgers’ victory extended their lead in the NL West to two games, bolstered by the San Diego Padres’ concurrent loss.

Beyond the on-field heroics, the night was a testament to Ohtani’s immense popularity, as Dodger Stadium was once again packed for his fifth bobblehead giveaway in less than two seasons. Fans, eager to secure the collector’s item, lined up early, despite assurances from the Dodgers that all ticket holders would receive one.

The consistent demand for Ohtani memorabilia underscores his status as a global icon, with a diverse range of bobbleheads already distributed, from Ohtani at bat to Ohtani alongside his dog Decoy. A sixth, featuring Ohtani pitching, is slated for September 10, further illustrating his monumental impact on the franchise.