Shohei Ohtani’s 11th start of 2025 was almost perfect! He pitched five innings, struck out nine batters, and allowed only two hits. Throughout the outing, Ohtani displayed sharp control and impressive velocity on the mound.

The only blemish was a pitch in the third inning, called by catcher Dalton Rushing, that Noelvi Marte crushed for a 410-foot home run. That blast accounted for Cincinnati’s only run and briefly interrupted Ohtani’s rhythm. Rushing later admitted the pitch call was his and acknowledged that it drifted too far into the zone. While the mistake could have shaken the rookie catcher’s confidence, Ohtani leaned in, showing trust and allowing Rushing to guide the game from behind the plate

After the game, Rushing was asked about the trust Shohei Ohtani showed. He replied honestly, “It was Shohei calling every pitch the first few innings then just so happened in the third. I called a single pitch. I called one pitch and from there on out he wanted me to call the game, so we kind of trusted each other. I made one mistake on the night as far as pitch calling, gave up a homer and like I said, we learnt from the things and move forward, but yeah, we were very comfortable working together tonight .” Well, that’s Ohtani, believing in his teammates.

Rushing’s one mistake didn’t impact the night, as Ohtani continued to dominate the Reds with his pitching. And Dave Roberts was clearly impressed with his ace performance. “The great thing about Shohei is he can command, when he’s right, four or five pitches.” “Today was a complete performance by Shohei.”

This performance was even more impressive because it marked a clear turnaround from Shohei Ohtani’s recent struggles. He hadn’t completed five innings in his previous two starts—being pulled early in Anaheim on August 13 after giving up a two-run double and again exiting prematurely in Denver on August 20 when the fourth inning dragged on too long. So, what changed this time?

Ohtani’s pitch mix evolved significantly. Against Cincinnati, he threw 23 curveballs, a big increase from just eight in his prior two starts. Breaking balls made up 53% of his arsenal. He also featured a four-seam fastball that touched 100.3 mph, complemented by a deadly splitter. This strategic diversification kept hitters off balance and highlighted his sharper control and velocity.

Even the other side couldn’t help but be amazed by what they saw. Terry Francona, the Reds’ manager, didn’t hold back: “He’s got everything. He’s good and  he’s really tough on lefties.” Ohtani’s curveball and splitter were especially deadly against left-handed Reds hitters. He struck out the last eight batters he faced, most of whom were lefties.

Not only on the mound, but the two-way sensation has also wowed everyone with his performance at the plate.

Shohei Ohtani reminds MLB why he’s the true two-way force

Shohei Ohtani hasn’t just been great on the mound. He’s also been great at the plate. In the fourth inning, after striking out nine Reds batters, he hit a leadoff single, which resulted in a four-run inning. The Hollywood Sluggers won by 5-1, completing their sweep of the Reds with their two-way superstar leading the way on both sides.

This dual-threat performance is just one more great thing about Ohtani’s 2025 season at the plate. Earlier, he hit his 45th home run of the season on the road against the Padres in the ninth inning, making the game out of reach in an 8–2 triumph. That solo blast not only won the game, but it also tied him with Kyle Schwarber for second place in the NL in home runs.

It’s amazing how he’s handling both roles. Even with reduced batting appearances due to his pitching schedule, Ohtani invariably assists. He might get a timely walk, a single that scores a run, or a booming long ball when the time is right.

The Dodgers relied on him to do both things in August, and he did. Ohtani has been just as valuable at the plate as he has been on the mound, keeping L.A.’s offense going while anchoring the rotation. And with the playoff looming, can he continue to do that?