2 weeks Ago By AP
MIAMI, Fla. -- Shohei Ohtani on Thursday accomplished something no other baseball player has ever done: Hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. The Dodgers' $700 million superstar became the sole member of MLB's 50/50 club when he got to both marks against the Marlins in Florida.
Ohtani stole two bases, giving him 51 total so far for the season. For his 49th homer, Ohtani launched a 1-1 slider from Miami Marlins reliever George Soriano 438 feet to the second deck in right-center in the sixth inning, tying Shawn Green for the most homers in a season in Dodgers history. Ohtani led off the game with double against Edward Cabrera and swiped third for his 50th stolen base on the front end of a double steal with Freddie Freeman, who reached on a walk.
Ohtani stole another base in the second inning. He has been successful on his last 28 stolen base attempts. He stole his 49th base in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Marlins.
He hit his 48th homer in the series opener Tuesday night, connecting on a 1-1 sweeper from Marlins right-hander Darren McCaughan and sending it 402 feet to right field. He was already the sixth player in major league history and the fastest ever to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, needing just 126 games. Manager Dave Roberts said before Thursday's game that he noticed Ohtani getting more aggressive on the bases in the second half of the season.
"I also think that Shohei realized how good of a base stealer he has become or can become," Roberts said. "I think he likes the challenge of studying pitchers and learning the tendencies. I think that's something that intrigues him.
" Ohtani shattered his previous career high in stolen bases, which was 26 with the Angels in 2021. He did that as a two-way player, but Ohtani has not pitched this season while recovering from elbow surgery, allowing him to focus his attention on batting and baserunning as the Dodgers' everyday designated hitter. DEVELOPING: This story will be updated.
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