Shohei Ohtani‘s remarkable home run streak recently came to an end during the opening game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, yet he still managed to tie the Dodgers franchise record by hitting home runs in six consecutive games. This achievement highlights the impressive power Ohtani has demonstrated throughout the season.
Ohtani’s six-game streak of hitting home runs in successive games matches the Dodgers’ all-time franchise record, a mark previously held by Max Muncy in 2019, Joc Pederson in 2015, Adrián González spanning 2014 and 2015, Matt Kemp in 2010, Shawn Green in 2001, and Roy Campanella in 1950. His streak began on July 19, the second game for the Dodgers following the All-Star break, although the team lost that matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers also dropped the next game, despite Ohtani extending his streak further.
During the third game of his home run run, which coincided with his sixth pitching start of the season, Ohtani helped the Dodgers end their losing streak with a victory over the Minnesota Twins. Notably, his two-run homer came shortly after he gave up his first home run as a Dodgers pitcher, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. On Tuesday night, he hit another two-run home run in the ninth inning during a losing effort, becoming the first Japanese-born player in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB history to hit home runs in four straight games. He then tied the Dodgers’ franchise record the very next day, needing only one at-bat to continue his streak.
Heading into the game against Boston, Ohtani was on pace to finish the season with 58 home runs. His current total of 37 home runs leads the National League and ranks second overall in Major League Baseball this year. These numbers build on his career-best total of 54 home runs last season, when he became the first player in MLB history to record a 50-50 season—with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
“I’m sure where he’s at right now, hitting 50 homers is probably on his radar,”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented.
But I really do believe he’s just trying to help us win games.
“Like I said a few days ago, he’s just trying to will us to win, and he’s doing whatever he can to help us win. The fallout is certainly production, but I think 50 homers is on his radar.”
Chasing the Major League Baseball Consecutive Home Run Record
Beyond tying the Dodgers’ franchise mark, Ohtani was also seen as a contender to match the MLB record for most consecutive games with at least one home run. That record is shared by Dale Long (1956), Don Mattingly (1987), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1993), each with a streak of eight straight games.
Though the prospect of reaching eight consecutive games with a home run is quite challenging, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not dismiss the possibility going into the weekend series. He noted the advantageous dimensions of Boston’s Green Monster wall and Ohtani’s confident stroke.
I don’t know that answer,
Roberts said.
I do know that if he has the same approach that he’s had the last week, that Green Monster is very short. So any fly ball that he hits will be a homer. He’s just got to continue to have that same approach when we go to Boston, and we’ll see what happens.
Ohtani’s impressive home run streak and power hitting continue to make him a pivotal player for the Dodgers as the season progresses. His ability both as a strong hitter and as a pitcher adds significant versatility to the team’s lineup. How far Ohtani can extend this streak and whether he can break the MLB record remains uncertain, but his current performance has already cemented his place in Dodgers history and showcases his extraordinary impact on the league.