Los Angeles Dodgers turned the tide on May 17 when Shohei Ohtani delivered a five‑run, five‑RBI outburst in a 15‑2 demolition of the Anaheim Angels, instantly sharpening the MLB MVP Race. The numbers reveal a clutch triple in the eighth and a three‑run double in the ninth that sent the crowd chanting “MVP.”
Dodgers starter Jose Soriano struggled, surrendering six runs in 5 1/3 innings, while the Angels’ offense sputtered, extending a five‑game skid. Jo Adell’s two‑run double and Alex Call’s two‑run single offered brief hope, but Ohtani’s late‑game heroics kept the Dodgers in control.
What Ohtani’s fireworks mean for the MLB MVP Race
The five RBIs catapult his season totals into elite MVP territory, delivering the kind of production voters prize. His late‑game triple and double not only sealed the win but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, a key metric in MVP deliberations.
Los Angeles Dodgers dominate with timely offense
Los Angeles Dodgers seized on Angels miscues, with Andy Pages and Max Muncy each drawing bases‑loaded walks to end Soriano’s outing. Teoscar Hernández was hit by a pitch to add another run, while Nolan Schanuel’s line‑drive was snared by Pages for a diving catch that preserved a 6‑0 lead. Defensive plays and timely hits built a cushion that allowed Ohtani to swing for the fences in the eighth and ninth innings.
Anaheim Angels struggle to find footing
Anaheim Angels continued their five‑game losing streak, the longest slide of their season, as their offense faltered and their bullpen could not contain the Dodgers barrage. Despite Jo Adell’s two‑run double and Alex Call’s two‑run single, the Angels never threatened the lead, underscoring the urgency of a turnaround in the AL West.
Key developments
- Andy Pages and Max Muncy each earned a bases‑loaded walk, extending the Dodgers’ lead before the eighth inning.
- Teoscar Hernández was hit by Chase Silseth’s pitch, scoring an unearned run that contributed to the 15‑2 total.
- Dodgers pitcher Jose Soriano allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings, prompting an early bullpen call‑up.
- Angels’ five‑game losing streak continued, marking their longest slide of the season.
- Fans chanted “MVP” after Ohtani’s three‑run double, a rare in‑stadium endorsement of his candidacy.
Impact and what lies ahead for the MVP conversation
The surge was highlighted by front‑office brass as a signal that Ohtani could be a front‑runner as the season reaches its midpoint. Analysts will weigh his power output against his pitching contributions, a dual‑threat rare in modern baseball. While the Dodgers eye a playoff berth, Ohtani’s consistency will be the litmus test for voters, especially if he sustains multi‑RBI games against quality opposition.
Meanwhile, the Angels must halt their slide to stay competitive in the AL West, a task made harder by the Dodgers’ offensive fireworks. The game also underscores the importance of bullpen depth; the Dodgers’ manager will likely adjust his late‑inning strategy to preserve leads without overtaxing starters.
How many total RBIs does Ohtani have this season after the May 17 game?
Ohtani entered the matchup with 38 RBIs and added five, bringing his season total to 43, placing him third in the league for runs batted in at the time (based on publicly available MLB statistics).
When was the last time a player received MVP chants from fans during a game?
The most recent instance before Ohtani was Aaron Judge, who received similar chants after a clutch three‑run homer in July 2022, illustrating how fan sentiment often mirrors MVP narratives.
What impact does a five‑RBI game have on a player’s WAR rating?
Advanced metrics show that a five‑RBI performance can boost a player’s WAR by roughly 0.30 to 0.45 points, depending on league‑average offensive context, a jump that can be decisive in MVP voting.
