’52 home runs-52 stolen bases’ Ohtani challenges ’60-60’… “I’ll be aiming for it”

by times news cr

The day before, he achieved MLB’s first 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
8 games left in the season… 5 home runs in last 4 games

Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers runs toward second base after hitting a two-run home run (his 52nd of the season) in the bottom of the fifth inning during a game against the Colorado Rockies in the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on September 20 (local time). With this, Ohtani is now one behind Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), who is first in MLB home runs. 2024.09.21. [로스앤젤레스=AP/뉴시스]

Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers), the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, is moving toward the next record. He will challenge for 60 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the remaining regular season games.

On the 21st (Korean time), Ohtani started as the designated hitter in the 2024 MLB Colorado Rockies game held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA, and recorded 3 hits, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs in 4 at-bats.

Ohtani, who set an unprecedented record of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases by adding three home runs and two stolen bases in the previous game, completed his 52nd home run and 52nd stolen base of the season by adding one home run and one stolen base today.

Furthermore, Ohtani heated up the competition by reducing the gap with MLB’s overall home run leader Aaron Judge (New York Yankees, 53) to 1.

When Ohtani came up to bat in the first inning, fans and Dodgers players applauded. Players from the opposing team, Colorado, also applauded and congratulated him.

After the game, Ohtani said through MLB.com, the official website of MLB, “It was amazing. I’m very grateful to be able to have this experience in my first season with the Dodgers.”

Now, the focus is on 60 home runs and 60 stolen bases. In the remaining 8 games of the regular season, he needs to hit 8 home runs and 8 stolen bases to join the first 60-60 club. It is not an easy challenge as there are only 8 games left until the end of the season, but his pace is excellent as he has hit 5 home runs and 4 stolen bases in the last 4 games.

Before Ohtani hit three consecutive home runs, Sean Green, who held the Dodgers record for most home runs in a season (49 in 2001), was bullish on the possibility of achieving the 60-60 mark.

“This guy is doing something that no one can believe,” Green said. “For all we know, he could hit 60 home runs and steal 60 bases.”

The commanding officer also mentioned Ohtani’s 60-60 challenge. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “Everyone knows Ohtani. He’s probably aiming for 60-60,” adding, “You never know what will happen with Ohtani.”

[서울=뉴시스]

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2024-09-23 05:37:24

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