Ohtani, Judge dazzle as Dodgers beat Yankees in World Series rematch

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani became the first reigning MVPs to hit home runs in the first inning of the same game.

Ohtani and the Dodgers got the better of the Yankees, earning an 8-5 victory Friday in the first meeting between the two clubs since last year's World Series.

Judge blasted No. 19 off right-hander Tony Gonsolin just two batters into the highly anticipated weekend series at Dodger Stadium.

Ohtani responded soon after with a leadoff long ball against left-hander Max Fried.

"I feel like he was copying me," Judge said jokingly, according to MLB.com's Sonja Chen and Bryan Hoch. "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."

Ohtani took Fried deep again in the sixth inning to give him an MLB-leading 22 homers this season.

(Video source: MLB.com)

With his second blast, the 30-year-old tied a franchise record for round-trippers in a single month with 15 during a sizzling May. He matched Pedro Guerrero (June 1985) and Duke Snider (August 1953).

"He would probably say it's just like any other game," Dodgers manager Dave 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."