Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Hits Home Run, Nears Historic 50-50 Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night, ultimately losing the game 11-9. Despite the loss, Dodgers designated hitter and National League MVP candidate Shohei Ohtani clearly made his mark, moving closer to an impressive milestone in baseball history.

Ohtani blasted his 48th home run during the third inning, bringing him within reach of a remarkable achievement: the first 50-50 season in Major League Baseball history. The powerful 402-foot home run came off a sweeping pitch from Darren McCaughan and soared into the second deck of LoanDepot Park in Miami, showcasing Ohtani’s incredible power.

Beyond his home runs, Ohtani has also excelled on the base paths this year, accumulating 48 stolen bases while being caught just four times. With 11 games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani needs just two more home runs and two more stolen bases to become the first player to achieve at least 50 in both categories within a single season. To give some context, only two other players—Barry Bonds and Brady Anderson—have ever reached or surpassed 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season throughout their careers.

Even while recovering from Tommy John surgery and not pitching, Ohtani has maintained peak performance at the plate. Currently, he is sporting an impressive slash line of .287/.372/.611. He has also recorded 87 extra-base hits and 359 total bases this season. Coupled with his exceptional base-running, this performance strongly positions Ohtani as a frontrunner for the MVP award, which he could win for the third time in his already remarkable career.

As for the Dodgers, the setback against Miami brings their record to 89-62 for the season. Despite this defeat, they continue to lead the National League West and are nearly assured a spot in the postseason, aiming for their 12th consecutive playoff appearance.