Shohei Ohtani is one of the best baseball players of his generation, and his impact has transcended baseball in the United States.
The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and starting pitcher is one of the main reasons why the California team won the 2024 World Series.
Currently holding the lead at the National League West with a 68-50 record, the Dodgers hope to make a deep run into the playoffs and fight for another title. The Philadelphia Phillies, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets are also contenders in the National League.
Ohtani makes two terrible mistakes
All-Star two-way player Shohei Ohtani started the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Toronto Blue Jays with a leadoff blast for his 41st home run of the season, giving the California team and its fans plenty to cheer about. But later, two costly mistakes shifted the momentum.
In the sixth inning, with the Dodgers leading 3-2, Ohtani tried to steal third base on his own and was thrown out. After the game, manager Dave Roberts was asked about the play. “That was his decision, not a good baseball play,” stated a visibly angry coach.
Then in the ninth, with the bases loaded and one out, Ohtani struck out against rookie pitcher Mason Fluharty, who admitted he “blacked out” from the adrenaline. Mookie Betts followed with a game-ending grounder as the Dodgers fell 5-4.
Dodgers level up on the power ranks
MLB.com contributors recently posted the power rankings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in second place of it…. and superstar Shohei Ohtani is a key part of that. His 95 homers with the Dodgers so far are currently tied for fourth most homers in first two seasons with a new team (he used to play for the Los Angeles Angels).
The Japanese slugger is behind legendary player Babe Ruth with the New York Yankees (113), Alex Rodriguez with the Texas Rangers (109) and Roger Maris with the Yankees (100), and even with Cecil Fielder with the Detroit Tigers (95).
Only one of those iconic players pitched for their team during those years, and it was Ruth … who pitched in only three games (and had a 7.62 ERA). The Los Angeles Dodgers are gonna go as far as Shohei Ohtani does, and that’s great news for baseball fans all over the world.
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