Shohei Ohtani’s 250th career home run put the final exclamation mark on a big day for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they welcomed back ace Clayton Kershaw in a 6-4 win over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

The Giants tied it 4-4 in the top of the eighth before Nick Ahmed and Ohtani hit back-to-back solo homers in the home half off submarine right-hander Tyler Rodgers (1-4). Ohtani’s National League-leading 31st home run was his 202nd in Major League Baseball after hitting 48 in Japan’s major leagues.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a double in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on July 25, 2024, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

The 36-year-old Kershaw, a 210-game winner, returned from shoulder surgery and rehab in his first game since last September. He started and allowed two runs over four innings at Dodger Stadium.

“The hitter before me had a big homer, so I was looking for a fat pitch,” said Ohtani, who pulled the first pitch over the right-field fence “I didn’t know about it (the Japan home run total). I just want to continue what I’m doing so I can hit more.”

The Dodgers’ designated hitter went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk. Ohtani currently leads the NL with a .312 batting average and a .635 slugging average.

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 25, 2024. (Kyodo)

But for the Dodgers, Ohtani’s homer was only a footnote compared to the return of Kershaw, their big left-handed ace.

“It was great, just watching him sweat, compete, punch guys out,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s been such a long road for him. I was happy for the fans to get to see one of the greats.”