Shohei Ohtani surpasses 50-50 milestone in spectacular fashion with a 3-homer, 2-steal game - WVUA 23

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MIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gazed up at the fans who came to support him and the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they were lucky enough to witness one of the most remarkable performances and seasons in Major League history.

Fans raised their phones to record the moment and cheered "M-V-P!" as Ohtani circled the bases after hitting his 50th home run. He made history as the first player in the major leagues to achieve at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

The most incredible part? Ohtani's day was far from over.

Ohtani achieved an incredible milestone in a remarkable game that marked a high point in his groundbreaking career. He became the first player in Major League history to hit three home runs and steal two bases in one game. This performance took place during the Dodgers’ dominant 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday, which also secured a playoff berth for the team.

“Honestly, I was on the verge of tears,” said Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas. “It was overwhelming due to all the behind-the-scenes experiences we witness every day.”

The Japanese superstar of the Los Angeles team, who was acquired for $700 million, launched his 49th home run in the sixth inning, followed by his 50th in the seventh and his 51st in the ninth. He ended the game with a perfect 6-for-6 performance and drove in 10 runs, making history as the first player in the major leagues to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game.

"I wanted to move past it as quickly as I could. At the same time, I know it's something I will hold dear for a long time," Ohtani mentioned via an interpreter during a televised interview.

Ohtani blasted two of his three home runs into the second deck in right-center at LoanDepot Park. In the sixth inning, he hit a 1-1 slider from George Soriano, sending it an impressive 438 feet for his 49th homer of the season.

Ohtani launched his 50th home run in the seventh inning, connecting for a two-run blast to left field against Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. Then, in the ninth inning, he hit his 51st home run, sending a three-run shot 440 feet to right-center off Marlins second baseman Vidal Brujan, who had stepped in to pitch when the game got out of reach.

"Honestly, I think I'm the most shocked person here," Ohtani remarked. "I really don't know how this happened, but I'm happy it went well today."

Ohtani entered the match with 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases. He quickly secured his 50th steal in the first inning and added his 51st in the second. Remarkably, he has succeeded in his last 28 attempts to steal bases.

He surpassed the Dodgers' all-time record of 49 home runs, which was established by Shawn Green in 2001. Additionally, he became only the third player in major league history to achieve a game with at least six hits, three home runs, and 10 RBIs, following in the footsteps of Cincinnati's Walker Cooper in 1949 and Washington's Anthony Rendon in 2017.

"THIS GUY IS INCREDIBLE!!!" LeBron James wrote on X.

Ohtani has recorded 120 runs batted in, putting him second only to Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who has hit 53 home runs and driven in 136 runs.

Ohtani achieved the impressive 50-50 mark in his 150th game. He became the sixth player in MLB history to do so and was the quickest to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season, accomplishing this feat in just 126 games.

Before this season, his best performance in home runs was 46, achieved while playing for the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. That year, he also took the mound for 23 games and clinched his first of two American League MVP titles.

It was yet another unforgettable evening for Ohtani at LoanDepot Park, where he secured the final out of the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship by striking out his former Angels teammate Mike Trout, who was playing for the United States, all while representing Japan.

"I've experienced some of the most unforgettable moments of my career here," Ohtani remarked. "This stadium has truly become one of my personal favorites."

Considered the top player in baseball, Ohtani's achievements as both a pitcher and a batter have surpassed those of Babe Ruth. This past year, while he took a break from pitching, he elevated his performance even further as a hitter.

Last December, Ohtani inked a massive 10-year contract worth $700 million with the Dodgers. The talented player, who dedicated six years to the Los Angeles Angels, has been focusing solely on the designated hitter position this season as he continues to recover from elbow ligament surgery he underwent last year.

On Thursday, he came up just a triple short of hitting for the cycle, contributing a single that brought in a run along with two doubles. He was tagged out at third base while attempting to turn his second double into a triple.

"There's really nothing to say since there's nothing anyone can change," remarked teammate and former MVP Mookie Betts. "He's simply exceptional."

When Ohtani stepped up to bat in the seventh inning, first base was unoccupied. However, Marlins manager Skip Schumaker opted not to intentionally walk him, even though the Marlins were behind 11-3.

Schumaker explained, “If the game was close, like being ahead or trailing by just one run, I would likely have intentionally walked him. But being down by so many runs, that wouldn't be the right call, both in terms of strategy and respect for the game. We decided to pitch to him, and he ended up hitting a home run. That's how it goes. He's hit 51 home runs this season and is the most skilled player I've ever witnessed.”

Getting ready played a crucial role in Ohtani's achievement of being the first player in the 50-50 club. He frequently met with the team's hitting coaches and analyzed footage of rival pitchers to learn their patterns when facing batters and dealing with base runners.

"I notice all the effort he puts in," catcher Will Smith remarked not long ago. "It’s not like things come easily for him. He puts in more work than anyone else. He does extensive scouting. He approaches the game differently, which makes it exciting to watch."

Ohtani seemed determined to reach the 50 stolen bases milestone. He started attempting to steal bases more often, which led to an improvement in his success rate.

However, things might be different next year when he steps back onto the pitching mound.

"Since he isn't focused on pitching this year, I believe he's giving it his all when it comes to batting," said manager Dave Roberts. "I truly believe he can maintain his power, get on-base, and keep up his batting average even as a pitcher. He has previously achieved something similar regarding his OPS. However, I’m uncertain about his ability to steal bases."

Ohtani's teammates have loved seeing him hit home runs and dash around the bases.

"I'm genuinely trying to take notes from him by observing how he handles his daily routine. He remains consistent and has a steady attitude all the time," said outfielder Tommy Edman not long ago. "I believe that's a big part of what makes him such an excellent player."

Third baseman Max Muncy mentioned, “It seems like he accomplishes something new every night that catches us by surprise.”

What's on the horizon for Ohtani?

The Dodgers are set to enter the playoffs in October, marking a new milestone for Ohtani. During his time with the Angels, he never experienced this, as the team didn’t achieve a winning record while he was in Anaheim.

There’s a possibility of making history by winning the National League MVP award as a designated hitter. To date, no player who primarily played as a DH — without taking the mound as a pitcher — has received the MVP title. However, players like Don Baylor, Edgar Martinez, and David Ortiz have all received significant attention in the voting process.

This would mark Ohtani's third MVP award in his career.

This report includes contributions from AP Sports Writer Beth Harris based in Los Angeles.