### Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Shines with 30th Home Run as Team Defeats White Sox The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated a significant victory on July 2, 2025, as they triumphed over the Chicago White Sox with a score of 6-1. This game marked a notable milestone for star player Shohei Ohtani, who hit his 30th home run of the season, achieving this feat for the fifth consecutive year. Ohtani's home run came in the fourth inning, following an unusual moment where he fouled a pitch off the plate umpire. The victory also featured a strong pitching performance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who delivered seven innings of solid play, allowing only one run and striking out eight batters. This win improved the Dodgers' record to 13-3 since June 14, showcasing their strong performance as they head into a six-game homestand [https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-dodgers-score-40ef00a0f5186e09bf4bbcf727eccf1d][https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-slugs-nl-leading-30th-hr-dodgers-top-white-sox-2025-07-02]. ### Breakdown of the Game and Key Performers 1. **Game Overview** - The Dodgers defeated the White Sox 6-1, marking a successful start to their homestand. - Ohtani's home run was a highlight, tying him with Cody Bellinger for the most home runs before the All-Star break in Dodgers history [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/45639150/shohei-ohtani-hits-30th-home-run-all-star-break-tying-cody-bellinger-dodgers-record]. 2. **Pitching Performance** - Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched seven innings, allowing only one run on three hits and achieving eight strikeouts. - He retired the last ten batters he faced, demonstrating exceptional control and skill on the mound [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/shohei_ohtani_slugs_nl_leading_30th_hr_as_dodgers_top_white_sox/s1_17044_42403922]. 3. **Offensive Contributions** - Andy Pages and Michael Conforto each contributed two RBIs, while Will Smith reached base three times, scoring two runs. - The Dodgers scored four runs in the first inning, setting the tone for the game early on [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-shohei-ohtani-ties-dodgers-franchise-record-with-30th-home-run-before-the-all-star-break]. 4. **White Sox Performance** - The White Sox struggled offensively, striking out 12 times, with six of those coming from the bottom three spots in their lineup. - Rookie pitcher Shane Smith allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings, contributing to the team's defeat [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/shohei_ohtani_slugs_nl_leading_30th_hr_as_dodgers_top_white_sox/s1_17044_42403922]. ### Summary of Key Findings - **Ohtani's Milestone**: Shohei Ohtani's 30th home run not only highlights his consistent performance but also ties him for a franchise record, showcasing his importance to the Dodgers [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/45639150/shohei-ohtani-hits-30th-home-run-all-star-break-tying-cody-bellinger-dodgers-record]. - **Strong Team Performance**: The Dodgers' offensive and defensive strategies were effective, leading to a decisive victory over the White Sox, with contributions from multiple players enhancing their overall performance [https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-slugs-nl-leading-30th-hr-dodgers-top-white-sox-2025-07-02]. - **Future Outlook**: With this win, the Dodgers are positioned well as they continue their homestand, aiming to maintain their strong form as they approach the All-Star break [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/shohei_ohtani_slugs_nl_leading_30th_hr_as_dodgers_top_white_sox/s1_17044_42403922].