Ohtani Makes History: Establishes New Club
Shohei Ohtani has officially made history with his 50th home run of the season which came against the Miami Marlins in the top of the seventh inning. Ohtani now owns the first ever 50 home run and 50 stolen base season. His second home run of the game came on a 1-2 count in the top of the seventh with the Dodgers already up 12-3 on the Marlins. He also stole base number 51 and home run 51 later in the game as well. Ohtani also now holds the all-time single-season home run record for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani is pursuing his third MVP award in the last four years. He is projected just above Francisco Lindor in the National League MVP standings. Lindor is having a great year, but when it is all said and done, it will be really hard not to give the award to the guy who started the 50/50 club. He also leads the league in SLG, OPS, OPS+, and total bases. Ohtani started the year out powerful, hitting over .330 throughout the entire month of May before slowing down to .300 and eventually about .290, where he currently stands. However, when your leadoff hitter is putting up a 50/50 season, the last thing you should be worried about is his average.
The Dodgers have been performing below their expectations, but Ohtani is a big reason why they were able to clinch a playoff berth. After tonight’s win, the Dodgers have clinched a playoff spot for the 12th consecutive year. They currently have the second-best record in baseball behind the Philadelphia Phillies, and that’s all without Ohtani’s arm on the mound. He is sure to be lighting up the NL West for the next nine years he has on his contract with the Dodgers. With about three series left, there is still a chance that Ohtani will get to 55/55 with a hot streak to end the season. While it is quite a stretch, you can never count out the only guy in the 50/50 club.
