Shohei Ohtani hit two home runs against Yankees pitcher Max Fried on Friday at Dodger Stadium, tying a Dodgers franchise record by reaching 15 home runs in a single month. This milestone highlights Ohtani’s exceptional power, as he enters the final game of May with the opportunity to extend the record further.
Comparing Ohtani’s Achievement to Dodgers Legends
Ohtani’s 15 home runs in May place him alongside the legendary Duke Snider, who hit 15 homers in August 1953 for Brooklyn, and Pedro Guerrero, who matched that total in June 1985. This achievement also equals Ohtani’s own career-best monthly total, previously set in June 2023 during his time with the Angels.
Key Moments in Friday’s Game Against Max Fried
The first of Ohtani’s two homers came on the opening pitch in the first inning, immediately following a home run by Aaron Judge. This rare occurrence marked only the second time two reigning MVPs hit home runs in the same game, joining Barry Bonds and Miguel Tejada’s performance on June 20, 2003, in Oakland. Ohtani added his second homer in the sixth inning, which helped the Dodgers reclaim the lead during a four-run rally. This second home run also extended Ohtani’s impressive success against Fried, with five hits, three of which are home runs, in eight career at-bats.
Ohtani’s Consistent Power Months
In addition to matching his career-high 15 home runs for the month, Ohtani has recorded other notable monthly totals, including 13 homers in June 2021 and 12 home runs in both June and August of 2024. His performance currently leads the major leagues with 22 home runs on the season.
Significance of Ohtani’s Record-Tying Month
By tying the Dodgers monthly home run record, Shohei Ohtani continues to solidify his status as one of baseball’s most dynamic talents. His ability to achieve this milestone in a new ballpark and against top-tier pitching underscores his impact on the game. With one game left in May, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate whether Ohtani will set a new standard in Dodger Stadium history.