The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrated the team's 11th NL West title in 12 years after they defeated San Diego Padres 7-2 on Thursday, 26th September. After the game, all players' families joined them on the pitch as Ohtani was accompanied by his wife Mamiko Tanaka and their pet dog Decoy.
The families joined the players on the pitch after the LA Dodgers' victory
Shohei Ohtani's wife Tanaka's appearance at Dodgers' home stadium is a very rare sight but that could change as Ohtani's career unfolds in LA. The couple were in a private relationship and announced they would get married in February 2024.
The videos of the post-game ceremonies went viral as a cheerful Ohtani was seen holding Decoy in his arms. His wife, Mamiko Tanaka was spotted wearing a jacket that had 'OHTANI' inscribed on it. The couple were ecstatic as they posed for the cameras.
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In the other videos that went viral, Ohtani and Tanaka were seen taking selfies and sharing a laugh over Decoy's reluctance to look into the camera.
I'm really happy: Shohei Ohtani after win over San Diego Padres
In the game against the Padres, Ohtani got three hits. The first two hits came in his first two at-bats and then in the sixth as he was unable to score. In the next inning, he hit an RBI single with two players on base as Enrique Hernandez scored. Ohtani followed it up with a third consecutive game with a double.
The Japanese International has 22 hits in nine games including 18 RBIs. He also became the first player to reach the historic 50-50 landmark as he currently has 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases. After the match, Ohtani was grateful for winning his first division title and said the team were looking to seal the job at Dodgers stadium.
"I'm really happy. Today I came to the stadium really wanting to clinch," Ohtani said through an interpreter.
After two back-to-back disappointing exits in the NL Division Series, the Dodgers will be eyeing to go deep in the postseason.
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