Los Angeles Dodgers rookie catcher Dalton Rushing experienced a challenging performance and communication difficulties with starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani during a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Rushing, who stepped into everyday duties due to an injury to Will Smith, miscommunicated on multiple pitch calls during a three-run second inning.
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The alignment breakdown prompted Ohtani to take over pitch-calling duties in the subsequent frame, while Rushing also struck out three times during the matchup.
Teammates Offer Support
Following the chaotic second inning, multiple teammates and coaching staff members offered guidance to the 25-year-old rookie backstop in the dugout.
"It's embarrassing that I need support like that," said Rushing. "I'm a grown man.
It's a pretty tough pill to swallow, both sides of the ball. Not a great showing.
It hasn't been great as of late. I'm going to get better."
The miscommunication became prominent when Ohtani fired a 101.7 mph fastball that bypassed Rushing for a passed ball, allowing a run to score.
"I messed it up," said Rushing. "It was my fault."
The inning continued to spiral as the Minnesota Twins drove in two additional runs off Ohtani following another pitch disagreement.
"It's about as difficult as I made it look," said Rushing.
Ohtani ultimately adjusted by selecting his own pitches, finishing six innings while allowing only those second-inning runs.
