shohei ohtani he is making history almost every time he steps on the diamond.
against the Houston Astros last Tuesday, Ohtani outdid Babe Ruth total career pitching strikeouts and now holds the record for most pitching strikeouts by a player who has also hit at least 100 home runs.
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, #17, pitches in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 15, 2023 in Baltimore. (Patricio Smith/Getty Images)
On Monday, Ohtani became the first starting pitcher since 1964 to reach base five times in a game as the Angels defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 9-5.
“I’m sure all those records come from because the sample size is so small, so I don’t really analyze too much,” Ohtani said through a translator.
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Ohtani had four hits and a walk at the plate, including a monster three-run home run in the fourth inning.
Ohtani’s performance at the plate made up for his poor performance on the mound, as the Japanese star allowed five earned runs in seven innings.
Due to his heroism as a hitter, Ohtani was victorious, going 5-1 on the season.
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Shohei Ohtani, #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, prepares to bat during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 15, 2023 in Baltimore. (Patricio Smith/Getty Images)
The last pitcher to reach base five times in a single game was Mel Stottlemyre of the New York Yankees on September 26, 1964.
Ohtani had a chance in the ninth inning to become the first pitcher to hit for the cycle, but failed to double, instead singlening afterwards. mike trout he earned a two-out walk.
«I was definitely happy to see that the walk gave me a chance to cycle,» Ohtani said. «But I failed.»
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Shohei Ohtani, #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, runs to third base after hitting a triple during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 15, 2023 in Baltimore. (Patricio Smith/Getty Images)
Ohtani is hitting .303 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs on the season.
«He’s a once-in-a-generation player. Once in a lifetime, really,» Orioles infielder Adam Frazier said. «A special guy, and I’m happy to say I get to compete against him, because he’s fun. He brings out the best in everyone.»
Associated Press contributed to this report