LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani launched his second home run of the season Thursday as the Los Angeles Dodgers held on for a 5-4 win in their home opener against the Detroit Tigers.

Ohtani, who homered in Game 2 of the season-opening Tokyo Series on March 19, extended his team's lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh at Dodger Stadium when he sent right-hander Brenan Hanifee's two-out, 3-2 sinker high over opposite field for a solo.

Leading off as designated hitter, Ohtani finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored after also singling with a grounder to right off Detroit starter Tarik Skubal (0-1) in the third.

Teoscar Hernandez drove in three runs on a fifth-inning bomb for the Dodgers, who have started the season 3-0 after winning both games at Tokyo Dome against the Chicago Cubs.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell (1-0) earned his first win as a Dodger after throwing five innings of two-run ball.

"It was a close game and I'm glad I was able to get a hit at a good moment," Ohtani said. "It was our first game at home, so I wanted the win. It will be good if we can step things up and win again tomorrow."

The game was preceded by a ceremony celebrating the Dodgers' World Series success last season, leaving Ohtani with a renewed mindset.

"I believe the unity within the team, as well as with the fans, was elevated after all the players worked to their best and achieved the target," he said. "We want to have the ceremony again next year, so winning back-to-back is the prime target."

"The season had already begun, and I went into the game more naturally compared to the Tokyo Series. I still have a bit of jet lag, and it's important to get up and sleep in the right way."

At Chicago's Rate Field, Yusei Kikuchi debuted for the Los Angeles Angels as their Opening Day starter in an 8-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Kikuchi (0-1) was charged with the loss after allowing three runs on five hits, including a home run, while striking out five and walking none over six innings.