Jokes Are Pouring in After Shohei Ohtani Plan Blows Up in Angels' Face

With the Los Angeles Dodgers leading by a run and with a runner on base, the Los Angeles Angeles decided to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani in the top of the 10th inning Tuesday night.

The decision to shy away from challenging the two-time National League Most Valuable Player came back to bite the Angels right away, as Mookie Betts launched a three-run home run off of Angels reliever Roansy Contreras to give the Dodgers a four-run lead.

The Angels ultimately lost the game, 6-2, while also getting clowned relentlessly by fans on social media, particularly over the Halos' strategy against Ohtani.

“The Angels thought they made the right decisions to walk Shohei Ohtani in his official return but little did they know Mookie Betts had a 3-run homer in store for them,” wrote the X (formerly Twitter) account of @DodgersNation .

“Mookie has sacrificed all season long and it makes his clutch moments like tonight that much more worth it 🔥”

“Hey Angels, here's a tip: don't walk a guy (even Shohei Ohtani) intentionally to pitch to Mookie Betts,” said @DodgersBeat . “Betts delivered big time and the #Dodgers get the win.”

X user @MANOMAGlC used a SpongeBob reference to make fun of the Angels.

“The Angels choosing to intentionally walk Ohtani so they could pitch to Betts instead”

From @Joey_N_LA : “LOL @ANGELS NEVER INTENTIONALLY WALK ANYONE (INCLUDING SHOHEI) TO PITCH TO MOOKIE BETTS.”

“That was one of the most absurd things I have seen,” a surprised @JRoc23 wrote.

“You are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California—Have some balls, to Pitch to your old friend Shohei Ohtani. Instead you intentionally walk him, only to face Mookie Betts?! THAT'S WHAT YOU GET.”

After the game, Angels manager Ron Washington explained the decision to walk Ohtani.

“You're picking poison when you deal with the first three hitters,” Washington said, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press .

“I wasn't going to let Ohtani swing there, and I have all the respect in the world for Mookie Betts. I just was hoping Contreras could make a pitch and get us a ground ball.”

The 84-55 Dodgers can complete a two-game sweep of the Angels this Wednesday when they give the ball to Bobby Miller.

Related: Angels Make Subtle Jab at Shohei Ohtani During His Return to Angel Stadium