With Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers) close to achieving 50-50, the head coach predicted that the milestone will come from the away game, not the home.
Ohtani started as the first designated hitter in the 2024 Major League Chicago Cubs home showdown at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on the 12th (Korea time) and recorded two hits (one homer) in four at-bats, three RBIs, one run and one stolen base.
He swung his bat enthusiastically from his first at-bat. In his first at-bat in the first inning, Ohtani targeted the fourth slider of Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks. The laser-like outstretched ball flew at the speed of 118.1 miles (190 kilometers), flew 405 feet (123.4 meters) and hit the central fence. It was the moment when his 47th homer of this season was born.
With this home run, Ohtani marked 218 home runs in his personal career, matching the record of the most home runs by Asian players held by “Chuchu Train” Choo Shin-soo (SSG Landers). Ohtani also tied the Dodgers’ record of 47 home runs, the third-highest number of home runs recorded by Cody Bellinger when he received the National League MVP in the 2019 season.
Ohtani’s performance continued. As a leadoff hitter in the bottom of the second inning, Ohtani got a walk from Wicks and stole the second base to his 48th stolen base.
In the bottom of the third inning, he hit Wicks’ first pitch, which he met again in his third at-bat with two outs and runners on the second and third bases, to create a timely two-run hit.
Unfortunately, he failed to add a hit afterwards, but he played a third base game with multiple hits.
In particular, manager Dave Roberts and his teammates were surprised by Ohtani’s 190-km home run in the bottom of the first inning.
Roberts said, “Other hitters usually make a double. But Ohtani made it with a home run. He is playing amazing baseball.”
Dodgers catcher Smith also helped. “I enjoy getting a chance to see Ohtani play every night. It’s great to see his challenge. I’m trying to hit the milestone, but what’s more important is that he tries to help his team win.”
Infielder Max Muncy also applauded, saying, “He’s an incredible player. Every night, Ohtani is doing something we’ve never seen.”
Roberts expected Ohtani’s milestone to come from the away road.
If you look at the Dodgers’ schedule, yes. After taking a day off, the Dodgers will move to an away game and play four consecutive games (Sept. 14-17) with the Atlanta Braves and three consecutive games (Sept. 18-20) with the Miami Marlins. It will return to its home ground on Sept. 21. It will play the Colorado Rockies.
Therefore, it is calculated that Ohtani’s milestone will be released before September 21.
Roberts said with a big smile, “I don’t think I would record it at home if I feel the way it is. Maybe we can see it at Miami. What will happen?”
Japan’s Nikkan Sports added meaning, saying, “Miami is a historical place where Ohtani led Japan to victory last year with a second-rate lead.”
The 2023 WBC final was held at Rondipo Park in Miami. At that time, Japan beat the U.S. to win the championship. 메이저놀이터
