MLB scorers rule Ohtani’s play a triple, denying career-first inside-the-park home run

Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of a rare Major League Baseball milestone was halted by official scoring protocols during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 15-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. The incident occurred in the eighth inning at Angel Stadium when Ohtani hit a ball into the right-field corner that struck protective netting and rebounded into the field of play.

Angels right fielder Jo Adell initially appeared to anticipate a dead ball or a ground-rule double, allowing Ohtani to continue his run around the bases. However, MLB’s official scorers subsequently determined the play did not qualify as an inside-the-park home run. Instead, the play was ruled a triple, with an error credited to Adell for the misplayed ball.

The scoring adjustment means Ohtani was credited with his first triple of the season, but the rare career milestone he initially appeared to achieve was officially denied. The decision highlights the subjective nature of official scoring, particularly regarding fielder positioning and reaction time at the moment the ball struck the netting.

Despite the scoring change, Ohtani delivered a significant offensive performance against his former team. He finished the game 2-for-4 with two walks, two runs scored, and a season-high five runs batted in. His contribution included a three-run double in the ninth inning, which helped solidify the Dodgers’ lead in the final stages of the contest.

Justin Wrobleski earned the win for the Dodgers after pitching six innings and allowing two runs. Angels starter José Soriano took the loss. The result leaves Ohtani still searching for his first career inside-the-park home run, a feat that remains elusive despite his continued dominance in the league.