LOS ANGELES -- Give the script writers credit: How else would you begin a Hollywood rematch of last year’s World Series?
Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani made history in Friday's 8-5 Dodgers victory, becoming the first reigning Most Valuable Players to hit a home run in the same inning -- both going deep in the first inning for an incredible opening act to what promises to be an action-packed weekend showdown between the Yankees and Dodgers.
"I feel like he was copying me,” Judge said, with a grin. “He’s impressive. He’s one of the best players in the game for a reason; what he can do in the box, on the basepaths, once he gets back on the mound -- it’s special.”
Judge provided the first jolt to what he called “an electric atmosphere” at Dodger Stadium, launching his 19th home run of the season, a solo blast off Tony Gonsolin that landed on the netting underneath the center-field batter’s eye.
"We love superstars," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "and to start the game off with Judge hitting a homer and Shohei answering in the bottom half was pretty exciting for everyone."
Judge’s blast came on an 89.7 four-seamer, which he turned around at 113 mph, slugging a Statcast-projected 446-foot drive. Judge now has five career homers at Dodger Stadium in six regular-season games (plus two homerless games in last year’s World Series).
"I like playing on the West Coast,” Judge said. “I like playing in big games like this. It’s always fun.”
Asked if his performances against the Dodgers had anything to do with growing up as a Giants fan in Northern California, Judge grinned and replied: “I won’t mention that. It might be.”
Boyhood rooting interests aside, this is a series pitting two of the game’s best hitters over the last month-plus against each other: Since April 30, Judge (1.237 OPS) and Ohtani (1.186) rank Nos. 1 and 2 among players with at least 75 plate appearances.
And sure enough, Ohtani responded in the home half, belting Max Fried’s first pitch over the left-center-field wall. Ohtani’s 21st homer came on a 93.7 mph Fried sinker, off the bat at 105.5 mph and traveling a Statcast-projected 417 feet.
"I think both teams started on a really good note," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. "I really thought it was important to be able to score another run in that situation, knowing that momentum is really important in a game like today."
Said Yankees manager Aaron Boone: “They were kind of similar home runs … right out of the gate, a couple of big haymakers. You certainly marvel at some of the players on this field tonight. There’s a number of MVPs and All-Stars, great players. Some of the stars really showed tonight.”
Ohtani added to his tally with another solo shot off Fried in the sixth, kicking off a four-run inning that vaulted the Dodgers in front of the Yankees. His MLB-leading 22nd homer was a towering blast that left his bat at 112.5 mph.
"He would probably say it's just like any other game," Roberts said, "but I do think that when you see the reigning MVP on the other side, and going out there and performing, that brings out even more of a competitor in Shohei. And obviously, it brought up a lot of excitement from the fans."
Judge and Ohtani aren’t just two of baseball’s most recognizable faces, though they’ve certainly earned those honors. They’re also first and second in the Majors in total bases, with each on pace for more than 400 -- Judge entered Friday at 153, Ohtani at 140 -- and Nos. 1 and 2 in runs.
"I like playing against the best,” Judge said. “You want to play against the best teams, the best players. Ohtani is definitely one of the best players in the game, and he has been for a long time. He’s off to another fantastic start this season.”