Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, celebrates his solo home run with third base coach Dino Ebel as he circles the bases during the seventh inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. The Dodgers won, 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani adjusts his helmet while batting during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton fields a double hit by the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs toward second base after hitting a double against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani reacts after hitting a double against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober delivers a pitch against the Dodgers during the first inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober reacts after issuing a walk to the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts is congratulated in the dugout after scoring on a sacrifice fly hit by Freddie Freeman during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton winds up to deliver during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday in Minneapolis. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton walks back to the dugout after striking out during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton reacts after striking out against the Dodgers during the first inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober winds up to deliver during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani bats during the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The Minnesota Twins’ Manuel Margot, left, celebrates his two-run home run with Ryan Jeffers during the third inning against the Dodgers at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ James Outman walks back to the dugout after striking out during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, right, reacts after striking out against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton delivers during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton gestures after hitting a single during the fifth inning of a game against the Dodgers, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux fields a ball hit by the Minnesota Twins’ Carlos Santana during the fifth inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, left, hits a double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a double against the Minnesota Twins during the sixth inning against at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches his double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures toward the dugout after hitting a double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, left, crosses home plate to score off an RBI single by Freddie Freeman during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, crosses home plate to score on an RBI single by Freddie Freeman during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is congratulated after scoring on a single hit by Will Smith during the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, right, reacts to a safe call at second base against the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman during the sixth inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton, right, celebrates with teammate Manuel Margot after making a diving catch on a ball hit by the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández during the sixth inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Steven Okert, second right, stands on the mound with teammates as pitching coach Pete Maki, right, approaches during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The Dodgers’ James Outman, left, celebrates his solo home run with third base coach Dino Ebel as he circles the bases during the seventh inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. The Dodgers won, 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jay Jackson delivers a pitch against the Dodgers during the seventh inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, celebrates his solo home run with third base coach Dino Ebel as he circles the bases during the seventh inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. The Dodgers won, 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, celebrates his solo home run with third base coach Dino Ebel as he circles the bases during the seventh inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. The Dodgers won, 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is doused with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is sprinkled with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kody Funderburk delivers a pitch against the Dodgers during the ninth inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dodgers defeated the Twins 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani reacts toward home plate umpire John Tumpane after being called out on strikes during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota TwinsMonday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani walks back to the dugout after striking out during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dodgers defeat the Twins 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Twins’ Carlos Correa breaks his bat as he hits into a ground out against the Dodgers during the ninth inning at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dodgers defeated the Twins 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips, left, and catcher Will Smith shake hands after the final out of a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Dodgers infielders Mookie Betts, right, and Miguel Rojas celebrate the win against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 8, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dodgers defeated the Twins 4-2. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS — A large swath of the United States watched the sun disappear briefly on Monday. The Dodgers have barely seen the sun in four days.
Game time temperatures on this road trip to Chicago and Minnesota have stayed in the 40s with occasional rain adding to the chill. But the Dodgers should be able to warm themselves on the heat coming off of Shohei Ohtani’s bat.
Ohtani was 3 for 5 against the Twins on Monday – his fifth consecutive multi-hit game – and hit his third home run of the season as the Dodgers won, 4-2.
Starting Wednesday when he hit his first home run as a Dodger, Ohtani has gone 11 for 22 with multiple hits in each game and eight extra-base hits overall (four doubles, one triple and three home runs).
Monday’s home run was the 174th of Ohtani’s career, one short of the record for a Japanese-born player in MLB held by Hideki Matsui.
“I mean, it’s pretty awesome to watch,” said Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton, who faced Ohtani with the Angels twice and gave up one home run. “If he puts the barrel on the ball it’s coming off at 105-plus. It’s pretty amazing just how hard he swings and how hard he hits the ball.
“I’m glad to have him on my side.”
At the opposite end of the temperature gauge was James Outman.
In his 25 at-bats before the seventh inning Monday night, Outman had managed just two hits while striking out 25 times. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts kept him out of the starting lineup against left-handed pitchers on Saturday and Sunday in Chicago, saying it would give Outman time to work on his swing.
There were no signs of progress as Outman struck out in his first two at-bats against the Twins. With the score tied at 2-2, though, Outman got a hanging full-count slider from Twins reliever Jay Jackson and sent a towering fly ball (the launch angle was an extreme 42 degrees) that floated into the right field seats for the go-ahead home run.
“It felt good to see a ball land,” Outman said. “It’s still pretty early in the season, so it feels a little early to freak out. But yeah, it’s a start in the right direction, for sure.”
During his rookie season last year, Outman endured similar cold spells. He said he learned an important lesson from the ups and downs.
“It’s never as bad as you think it is. And it’s never as good as you think it is. So just keep going and keep plugging along,” he said.
“I think experience is everything. You look at some of the guys in the clubhouse – Mookie or Freddie or Shohei – who have a lot of at-bats and a lot of experience, they’re just able to navigate the game better. There’s gonna be highs and lows, and they can adjust accordingly.”
If Monday’s go-ahead home run helps Outman escape a sticky wicket, cricket might have a surge in popularity among Dodgers hitters.
Ohtani said he started hitting off a tee using a bat with a flat barrel – a cricket bat – during the rain delay in Chicago on Sunday and it helped him with his mechanics.
“After I saw Shohei get two hits (Sunday), I was swinging the cricket bat,” Outman said Monday.
Three batters after Outman’s homer, Ohtani sent an opposite-field drive into the left field seats for his home run. He had carried most of the Dodgers’ offense to that point. His first-inning double sent Mookie Betts (who led off the game with a walk) to third base. Freddie Freeman drove him in from there with a sacrifice fly.
In the sixth inning, Ohtani led off with a double and scored on back-to-back singles by Freeman and Will Smith.
The seventh-inning power surge made a winner of Paxton for the second start in a row. Paxton went the first six innings, allowing a two-run home run to Manuel Margot (discarded by the Dodgers this spring after he was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays as an attachment to the Tyler Glasnow trade).
“James was really good,” Roberts said. “It’s obviously a heavy right-handed lineup against the lefty. I thought his fastball really played tonight, had a lot of life. I thought the breaking ball, he used it when he needed to. Left one up to Margot, but outside of that he was fantastic.”
The Twins didn’t have a hit after Byron Buxton’s leadoff single in the fourth inning. Paxton, Ryan Brasier, Daniel Hudson and Evan Phillips combined to retire the final 18 Twins batters in order.
