A“pitcher-to-pitcher” home run. Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani hit a 107.8 mph home run that traveled 419 feet to center field during the top of the seventh inning of his club’s 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. A situation not uncommon for the reigning MLB champions. But, in the landing of the ball, there was a unique moment that made it a “different” home run.
As has been customary since last year, the current National League MVP shows himself with the bat, and little by little he has reached the mound. But on this occasion, Ohtani’s home run left the field and landed in the visitors’ bullpen at Coors Field. Dodgers reliever Kirby Yates was warming up when Ohtani’s hit came into his hands. Yates, like a veteran outfielder, followed the ball and caught it as if it were a routine fly ball and not an almost 177 km/h missile thrown by Ohtani.
Kirby Yates gets Ohtani “out” on his own home run
After catching the ball, Yates raised his glove in celebration. Ohtani waved to the bullpen as he was awarded his 28th home run of the season and decreed the sweep of the champions against the Colorado Rockies, who in the sum of the three games were dealt a terrible 20-9 defeat. It was undoubtedly one of the worst campaigns for the Denver squad.
As mentioned, Kirby Yates played in the outfield several years ago and until recently was moved to the mounds. Could this action be a possibility to return to the outfield position? On his days off he will be able to perform such duties. Potential has been seen. It wouldn’t be the first time an Angels player has added a new skill to his resume this year. But for now, the champions have their positions well defined from left to right.
Los Angeles Dodgers on perfect pace for All-Star Game
It is worth noting that Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ hot hitter, now has three home runs and eight RBIs in the last four games, all Dodgers victories. Along with the performances of Will Smith, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and the rest of the blue team, they maintain the lead in the National League West Division as they reach the mark of 51 wins and 31 losses.
With this record, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best numbers in the National League and are tied with the Detroit Tigers in the race for the best record in MLB. The champions will face the Kansas City Royals from Friday, June 27, in an away series that will be more complicated than the one in Colorado.
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