Shohei Ohtani Already Put Together Career-Best Hitting Stretch in First Season With Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani is one of the best hitters in the game of the baseball, but the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter has reached a new level as of late. For the first time in Ohtani’s career, he put together a stretch of multi-hit performances in five straight games.
Ohtani reached this feat during the Dodgers’ 4-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday. In this win, Ohtani recorded three hits, two runs, one RBI and one home run. This was Ohtani’s first three-hit game of the season, and he capped it off with his third home run of the season, too.
Even after a relatively slow start to the year, at least for Ohtani’s standards, the two-time AL MVP appears to already be back to form. And he’s even doing things he’s never done in his already dominant career.
What’s even more impressive is how Ohtani has already returned to speed after several off field distractions, including his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara allegedly stealing millions from Ohtani to pay off his gambling addiction. However, it’s not the most surprising since Ohtani is known for his incredible work ethic and focus on the game.
What might actually be the most surprising part of this accomplishment is that Ohtani had not previously done it before. While Ohtani has accomplished a lot since entering MLB in 2018 and joining the Los Angeles Angels, this is a new milestone for the $700 million man.
Ohtani was not able to extend this streak to six games on Tuesday, as he went 1-for-5 with a double. He was able to extend his hit streak, though, in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win.
Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Do you think Shohei will want his 176th home run ball back? I just don’t understand what the big deal was for #172. Sure, it’s his 1st as a Dodger but not really a milestone. #176 will place him ahead of Hideki Matsui for most MLB home runs by a Japanese national. This ball should have more value to Shohei than #172.
I mean it was his first HR for the team he’ll likely be with for the rest of his career and retire with. So I certainly understand why he’d value it.