Shohei Ohtani is at the top of the MLB at the moment in terms of sheer impactful play. This has led to admiration, debate, and even challenges directed at the Los Angeles Angels star. While MLB is one of the toughest leagues to maintain consistency for any player, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is one of the rare players who has been shining like the brightest star for over three years. But even Ohtani was challenged by the San Diego Padres marquee, Juan Soto.

And in the most recent game, Ohtani shut down that challenge. This open challenge from the Padres star came before his team secured a win in the series opener. Ohtani got him back for his words in the individual battle and proved his mettle. However, the result was not in the Japanese star’s favor.

Shohei Ohtani won the battle but lost the war

Padres star Juan Soto issued Shohei Ohtani an open challenge before his team won the series opener. He said that the two-way phenom would have a difficult time facing San Diego’s lineup. Although that proved true, Ohtani was able to exact his revenge on Soto for the challenge. The Angels star did struggle against the Padres’ lineup, but shut down Soto completely, not allowing him a single hit. Talkin’ Baseball shared stats from the game via Twitter. Ohtani won the individual battle but lost the war as the Angels fell to the San Diego-based team again.

In a Tweet, Talkin’ Baseball said, “Ohtani’s line tonight: 5 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K”. They further said, “Soto went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against him”. Shutting down the Padres’ star was nothing but a symbolic victory as Ohtani and the Angels lost the game. 

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But this is a blip in what has been a fantastic season for the two-way sensation. His outstanding play led to him dominating the All-Star selection once again. But let’s have a look at how fans have reacted to the result and Ohtani dominating Soto. 

Fans are divided over Soto and Ohtani

The reactions to the result have been mixed, to say the least. Fans are supporting both Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. 

Some fans are supporting Soto as Ohtani did struggle against the Padres’ lineup.

Other fans are supporting the Angels star for shutting down Soto. 

Although Shohei Ohtani may have enjoyed dominating Juan Soto, he would have wanted the win more. What do you think about how things have turned out between the two stars?

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