Shohei Otani’s Historic Pursuit: The 50-50 Club Awaits, But He’s Not Looking
Shohei Ohtani Makes History with 46 Home Runs and 46 Stolen Bases
Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani started as leadoff hitter and designated hitter in the home game against the Guardians on the 8th. In his second at-bat, he hit a line drive to center field, bringing his total to 161 hits this season, surpassing the 160 hits he recorded in 2022. In his third at-bat, he hit his 46th home run of the season, his first in two games, tying his personal best of 2021. With 101 RBIs, he tied with Brewers infielder Willie Adames for the most RBIs in the league, again.
After the game, when asked how he felt about hitting 46 home runs and 46 stolen bases, and getting closer to becoming the first player in history to hit 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, Ohtani said, ”I think it’s okay to look back at it at the end. I think it’s good that I won the series today and was able to increase my lead again.” When asked when he started to be conscious of the record, he said, “I try not to think about it too much. Rather, I want to increase the number of at-bats where I feel good. I want to be able to advance when I can when I’m running the bases. Even if it’s not a stolen base, even if it’s a touch-up, I want to be conscious of advancing.”
In the fifth inning with one out and no runners on base and the score at 1-0, Ohtani hit a huge home run in his third at-bat. He caught a changeup from right-hander Bybee that was thrown softly, and he felt good about it. All that was left was to see if it would hit inside or outside the right field pole. The ball was hit at 116.7 mph and at 34 degrees. The shot flew 450 feet and hit the signboard in the rear of right field, commemorating the first World Series victory in 1955 when he was with the Brooklyn Dodgers, making it a huge auspicious shot.
Confident that it was a home run, Ohtani ran around the diamond. The numbers 46-46 were displayed on the large screen in the stadium. The umpires also reviewed the ball with a video review, but the decision was unaltered and it was ruled a home run, and Ohtani pumped his fist in excitement on the bench. With this, he also broke his personal record with 101 RBIs, tying him with the Brewers’ Adames for the league lead.
In his first at-bat, he was hit by a fly ball to left field, and in his second at-bat, in the third inning with two outs and no runners on base, Ohtani was attacked mainly on the inside, but brought the count to full, and on the eighth pitch, a slider high and on the inside, he folded his arms well and, although it was a bit of a jam, he dropped it in front of center field. This was the team’s first hit.
Shohei Ohtani’s Road to History
Ohtani’s impressive performance has put him on pace for 52 home runs this year. He has already tied his personal best of 160 hits in 2022 and has set a new personal best with 161 hits this season. His 46 home runs and 46 stolen bases have also put him in contention for the first ever 50-50 record.
What’s Next for Shohei Ohtani?
Ohtani’s next game will be crucial in his pursuit of history. With the Dodgers’ magic number for the National League West at 14, Ohtani will look to continue his impressive performance and help his team secure a spot in the playoffs.
