Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 Update: Los Angeles Dodgers Phenom Accomplishes 49th Base Steal in Victory against Miami Marlins
The two-time AL MVP had a subpar performance by his lofty standards – going 1-for-5 and striking out twice in the Dodgers' 8-4 victory over the Miami Marlins – but persisted in his quest for history by stealing a base after his leadoff single in the first inning.
Ohtani’s 49th stolen base of the campaign matches the second-highest number of stolen bases in a single MLB season by a Japanese player – tying the two-way ace with his own manager, Dave Roberts.
“I was hoping for a misthrown ball since a good throw would have him out,” said Roberts after the game, as reported by MLB.com. “He displayed a decent advance, but due to his speed, (catcher Nick) Fortes had to rush his throw. He made it safely, and I'm hoping he surpasses the record either tomorrow or at home.”
At present, Ohtani has amassed 49 steals and 48 home runs this season. He’s now come closer than anyone has ever before to achieving 50 of each in a single year.
The 30-year-old has surpassed Ronald Acuña Jr. and Alex Rodriguez, the two players who had previously come closest. “La Bestia” swiped 73 bases and hit 41 homers for the Atlanta Braves last year, while A-Rod notched up 46 steals and 42 home runs as a Seattle Mariners player in 1998.
Ohtani is also just one homer away from equaling the Dodgers' franchise record of 49, which Shawn Green established in 2001.
“What a season,” said Roberts. “It’s astonishing that he can hit as a DH, but what’s more astounding is his ability to steal bases despite his hitting responsibilities. It’s a skill, it’s a talent, and I’m simply amazed by how he does it.”
The Dodgers took the lead with a solo home run from Will Smith in the top of the second, followed by a big top of the fourth that saw a two-run blast from Tommy Edman and a three-run homer from Enrique Hernández, which expanded Los Angeles' lead to 6-0.
On the mound, starter Landon Knack pitched impressively for five innings, conceding just two hits, no runs, and striking out seven.
Following Knack’s departure in favor of Dodgers debutant Zach Logue, the Marlins staged a comeback with three runs in the fifth. However, Chris Taylor ensured the victory with a two-RBI single in the top of the eighth, while a sacrifice fly from Fortes in the bottom of the ninth was all the Marlins could muster as a response.
Ten regular-season games remain for Ohtani to notch up the unparalleled 50-50 mark, and a win for the Dodgers against the Marlins on Thursday night will secure their passage to the playoffs.
Ohtani's love for sports extend beyond baseball, as he also showed his speed and agility on the baseball field with his 49th stolen base. Despite the Dodgers' win, the focus remains on Ohtani's pursuit of history, aiming to surpass the 50-steal and 50-home run mark in a single MLB season.
