"Triple Crown? 60-60? Ohtani can challenge." Will Ohtani's endless race come from behind
"Triple Crown? 60-60? Ohtani can challenge." Will Ohtani's endless race come from behind
Blog Article
Shohei Ohtani (30) of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is writing countless records, will challenge for the Triple Crown this time.스포츠토토
Ohtani started the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on the 28th (Korea Standard Time) as the first designated hitter and recorded four hits, one home run, four RBIs, two runs and one stolen base in five at-bats.
Taking the batter's box for the second time with runners on the first and second bases with one out in the top of the second inning when the Dodgers was leading 3-1, Ohtani hit a timely RBI and made a double steal along with Chris Taylor, sending off a flurry of hits. Ohtani, who had another hit with runners on the first and second bases with one out in the fourth inning, hit a changeup of 6 pitches (139.2 kilometers) by right-handed relief pitcher Anthony Molina at the second and third bases in the sixth inning for a three-run homer over the right fence. The homerun boasts a batting speed of 103.4 miles (166.4 kilometers) and a flying distance of 436 feet (133 meters).
Ohtani also hit a double as the leadoff hitter in the eighth inning and homered on Kevin Kiermaier's timely hit. Dodgers won the game 11-4 thanks to Ohtani's performance.
Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, 700-million-dollar contract with the Dodgers this season and became the biggest contract player in professional sports ever, underwent elbow surgery in September last year and is focusing on hitting batters this year. Ohtani, who is playing as a professional designated hitter, has a batting average of 309 percent (194 hits in 627 times at bat) in 157 games with 54 homers, 130 RBIs, 133 runs and 57 steals, clearly showing what kind of performance he can perform if he focuses only on hitting.
Ohtani, who wowed fans by achieving 40 home runs and 40 steals for the sixth time in Major League history with a walk-off grand slam, immediately surpassed 50 home runs and 50 steals for the first time in Major League history with 6 hits, 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, 4 points and 2 steals in the match against Miami on the 20th. He then achieved his first 400 hits since his debut on the 27th, and set a new record for the most steals in a single season by an Asian player in Major League history, surpassing Ichiro Suzuki (56 steals) in 2001.
Ohtani, who has already made countless history, is challenging himself in another major competition. He is challenging himself to the Triple Crown as a batter for the first time in 12 years since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Ohtani is already leading in home runs and RBIs in the National League. Ohtani has 15 home runs against second-ranked Marcel Osuna (Atlanta, 39 home runs) and 19 RBIs against second-ranked Willy Adames (Milwicketton, 111 RBIs), indicating that Ohtani will take the top spot.
In contrast, Luis Araes of the San Diego Padres ranks first in batting average, while Ohtani is second in batting average. Araes is leading Ohtani by five runs this season with a batting average of 314 (199 hits in 634 times at bat). As he has only two more games to play, it is not easy for Ohtani to come from behind even if he does not play in the remaining two games. In order for Ohtani to surpass Araes' current batting average, he should have five hits or more from five times at bat.
Expectations for the Triple Crown, however, are growing as Ohtani's batting performance is so good these days. Ohtani has a batting average of 706 (64 hits in 34 at-bats), six homers, 20 RBIs, 14 runs and eight steals in the last eight games. If this batting performance continues through the last two games, it is nonsense to turn his batting average around.
The Major League's official media MLB.com said, "Otani stole for the 57th time this season, setting a new record for the most steals by a single Japanese player in a single season. He also broke the record of most homers by a Japanese player, Hideki Matsui, his idol when he was a child. The two-hitting star is now in his prime. By the end of his career, Ohtani will be able to hold almost all Japanese player records," highlighting Ohtani's performance. "Ohtani is also aiming for the Triple Crown. If Ohtani is to achieve his first Triple Crown since 2012, he should surpass Araes in batting average."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "Shohei showed his performance today. Tonight alone, he is close to 200 hits. Everything he can achieve seems to be on his radar. He is having an incredible season. Whether it's the Triple Crown, 60-60 or whatever, if he gets within reach, he will want to take on the challenge." He added, "I will let Ohtani play in all the remaining games."