Shohei Ohtani Shines in Final Spring Start as Dodgers Prepare for Season Opener
Shohei Ohtani Impresses in Final Spring Start
In a standout performance during his last spring outing, Shohei Ohtani showcased his remarkable pitching skills with three consecutive strikeouts in the fourth inning. The Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Los Angeles Angels in the Freeway Series finale, where Ohtani struck out Jorge Soler with a sweeper, Jeimer Candelario with a curveball, and Jo Adell with a fastball.
“This shows the confidence he has and the different ways he can attack hitters, getting ahead and putting them away,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked following the Dodgers’ 3-0 loss. "Today, the feel was really good, even better than the first outing."
Ohtani’s performance was significant, achieving 11 strikeouts over four-plus innings while limiting the Angels to four hits. He was charged with three runs, all scored in the fifth inning. This season marks the first time in three years that Ohtani is set to start as a fully healthy pitcher, having previously battled recovery from elbow surgery.
“The desire is high,” Roberts said regarding Ohtani’s goal to pitch consistently this season. “I think it’s realistic. Then the bigger question is, how are we going to manage that and navigate it?”
Kurt Suzuki Steps into Managerial Role with Angels
As the Los Angeles Angels prepare for the season opener against the Houston Astros, new manager Kurt Suzuki is instilling a sense of enthusiasm in a franchise that has struggled for over a decade. The Angels have not finished above .500 since 2015 and have missed the playoffs for a record 11 consecutive seasons.
Last season, the team concluded with a 72-90 record, improving from a franchise-low 99 losses in 2024. Suzuki, who signed a one-year contract last October, is the franchise’s fifth full-time manager since Mike Scioscia departed in 2018 after 19 seasons.
"It’s been fun," Suzuki said before a recent Freeway Series game, in which the Angels lost to the Dodgers 13-5. "I’ve never managed before, but just being out of the game recently helps me understand the situations and speed of the game. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I’m having a great time."
Suzuki emphasized the importance of attention to detail and fundamentals, noting that traditional aspects of baseball might get overshadowed by analytics. “If we can keep that style and play hard, I like our chances,” he stated.
Anaheim Challenges ‘Los Angeles’ Moniker for Angels
In a renewed effort for local identity, Anaheim officials are pursuing legislative actions to reestablish the city’s name for the Angels baseball team. Assemblyman Avelino Valencia has introduced a bill that would condition any sale or new lease of Angel Stadium on the team reverting to its original name, the Anaheim Angels.
Additionally, Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has tasked the city attorney with investigating potential lease violations linked to the team’s removal of the Anaheim name from official documents. This initiative follows owner Arte Moreno’s decision to associate the team with Los Angeles over two decades ago.
UCLA Women’s Basketball Faces Uncertain Future
The UCLA women’s basketball team, celebrated as the best in its history, faces an unpredictable journey in the NCAA tournament. Though the Bruins are a force to be reckoned with, the path to a championship remains unclear. They recently defeated Oklahoma State 87-68 to secure their spot in the Sweet 16 for the fourth straight season.
“They get to experience all the things that all of us want, and that is so incredibly rare and hard and special,” said Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt, reflecting on UCLA’s tight-knit team.
While achieving success in the tournament is within reach, the Bruins must navigate formidable competition ahead.
Kings Fall to Flames in Shootout Thriller
The Los Angeles Kings suffered a narrow defeat to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, losing 3-2 in a shootout. Yegor Sharangovich clinched the win for the Flames in the fourth round.
Olli Maatta and Zayne Parekh scored their first goals of the season, contributing to Calgary’s victory, while Dustin Wolf recorded 23 saves. For the Kings, Quinton Byfield netted both goals, and Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves. Despite demonstrating strong play recently, the Kings have now dropped four consecutive games.
First-Place Ducks Secure Victory Against Canucks
In a competitive matchup, the first-place Anaheim Ducks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-3. Mikael Granlund led the charge with two goals, while Alex Killorn contributed with a goal and an assist. Mason McTavish and Troy Terry also found the net for the Ducks, who secured their position at the top of the standings.
The game featured back-and-forth scoring, but McTavish’s goal in the third period ultimately sealed the win for Anaheim.
This Day in Sports History
March 24 has witnessed significant sports milestones over the decades, including:
- 1934: Horton Smith wins the inaugural Masters tournament.
- 1947: Holy Cross, led by George Kaftan, captures the NCAA basketball championship.
- 1958: Sugar Ray Robinson regains the middleweight title for a record fifth time.
- 1982: Wayne Gretzky scores 200 points in a single NHL season, becoming the first player to do so.
These historical highlights underscore the rich legacy of sports achievement on this date.
