Shohei Ohtani continued his sensational hitting streak on Wednesday night by launching a home run for the fifth game in a row, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record. The feat took place against Minnesota Twins pitcher Chris Paddack, who left a curveball hanging early in the first inning. Ohtani capitalized by sending the ball 441 feet to center field, marking his 37th home run of the season and securing his position as the National League leader.
Since his Major League debut in 2018, Ohtani has smashed 46 home runs that traveled at least 440 feet, including three in the last week alone, showcasing his exceptional power. This streak places him among elite company as the seventh Dodgers player ever to hit home runs in five consecutive games, joining the ranks of Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, and Roy Campanella.
Ohtani’s Climb in MLB History
By connecting for his fifth straight homer, Ohtani reached a notable career milestone with his 262nd home run, tying him with Hall of Famer Frank Robinson for the tenth-most home runs within a player’s first eight MLB seasons. This total places him just behind Ted Williams, the all-time leader in this category with 265 home runs. Ohtani’s consistent display of power at the plate has cemented his status as one of the sport’s most formidable hitters.
Ohtani also continues to shatter Dodgers records, now holding the franchise mark for the most home runs hit before August 1. Among National League hitters, only Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez have passed the 40-home run mark since 2001, with Ohtani leading the pack this season.
Key Contributions in High-Stakes Moments
After his fifth consecutive home run, Ohtani was intentionally walked in the ninth inning of the game, setting the stage for an exciting finish. He later crossed home plate to score the winning run on a walk-off hit by teammate Freddie Freeman. This secured the Dodgers’ eighth walk-off victory of the season, underscoring Ohtani’s pivotal role in clutch situations and his impact on the team’s overall success.
Looking Forward: Aiming to Break MLB’s Consecutive Home Run Record
Ohtani now turns his attention to the upcoming matchup against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, where he will attempt to extend his home run streak to six games. The MLB all-time record for consecutive games with a home run stands at eight, held by legendary players Dale Long, Don Mattingly, and Ken Griffey Jr. With the iconic Green Monster as the backdrop and Ohtani in midseason form, anticipation is high among fans and analysts alike for what could be a historic continuation of his power surge.