THE GAME: Shohei Ohtani gave his Japanese fans just what they came to see, hitting a home run in his second time up as the Dodgers beat the Yomiuri Giants 5-1 in an exhibition game Saturday night at the Tokyo Dome.
HITTING REPORT: With the crowd of 42,064 hanging on every pitch, Ohtani walked in his first plate appearance against the Giants. In his second at-bat, he connected on a first-pitch curveball from Giants starter Shosei Togo for a two-run home run. … Michael Conforto had the Dodgers’ first hit in Japan, a home run leading off the third inning. Andy Pages followed with a double and scored on Ohtani’s home run. … Teoscar Hernandez hit the Dodgers’ third home run of the game.
PITCHING REPORT: Before the game against the Giants, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the decision to make it a ‘bullpen game,’ saying the Dodgers want to give their relievers a two-day break before the regular-season games against the Cubs. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow will take down most of the innings in the second exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers. … The combined efforts of eight pitchers held the Giants to just five hits Saturday night. … Justin Wrobleski handled the first two innings and retired all six batters he faced, striking out three. Wrobleski had an excellent spring, allowing just two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 12 in 11⅓ innings. … Kirby Yates allowed the Giants’ only run with a rough inning featuring two hits, a walk and two stolen bases. … Jack Dreyer closed out the game by retiring the side in order in the ninth, striking out two.
UP NEXT: Dodgers (LHP Blake Snell) vs. Hanshin Tigers, 8 p.m. PT Saturday at Tokyo Dome, SportsNet LA, 570 AM