He extended his record from 50-50 to 51-51 with three home runs in his first game since his debut, and is now 52-52 with two consecutive home runs. The National League’s home run king is like putting his name on the trophy, and now he is looking to Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who ranks first in home runs in the entire Major League.
Ohtani will start as the first designated hitter in the game against the Colorado Rockies in the 2024 Major League at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on the 22nd (Korea time). Despite achieving 50-50, Ohtani is constantly in the starting lineup.
The game, which will kick off at 10:10 a.m., is a day when the Dodgers presents its fans with Otani T-shirts. The Dodgers already achieved 50-50, and the Dodgers also confirmed its advance to the postseason, but the winner of the event was not left out. Otani has another challenge. It is chasing down the jersey.
Judge has maintained his No. 1 home run title in the entire Major League with 53 home runs through Sunday. However, Ohtani has started to fiercely catch up with Judge as he has hit four home runs in the last two games. Ohtani’s three home runs in one game in his first game since debut on Tuesday served as a “booster” to catch up with Judge.
After the game, Ohtani celebrated his and his team’s record by drinking champagne at a clubhouse party marking the Dodgers’ 12th consecutive postseason advancement. He added another home run the next day and was a monster, inhumane performance in some ways. Four home runs in two games reduced the gap with Judge, who seemed far away.
The Japanese media is now paying attention to Ohtani’s pursuit of the jersey. “Expectations are high for Ohtani’s 53rd homer for this season, which will be his third consecutive game,” baseball media Full Count reported on Sunday morning. “He is just one shy of Judge, who ranks first in homers in both leagues. Will he be able to match his team by hitting homers in three consecutive games?”안전놀이터
Achieving 50-50 and confirming his entry into the postseason cannot stop Ohtani’s strides. Keeping up with Judge is not his top priority. The fact that the Dodgers’ magic number No. 1 in the National League West has not disappeared yet keeps Ohtani running. “I think everyone has the heart to rank No. 1 in the district,” Ohtani said, expressing his willingness to continue playing until the ranking is confirmed.
Meanwhile, Sports Hochi reported on “Otani T-shirt Day” that there was a waiting line outside the stadium five hours before the game started, adding, “Otani also hit a leadoff home run on Babblehead Day. Attention is focusing on the hero’s performance.”