Ohtani Homers in Fifth Straight Game, Ties Dodgers Record/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shohei Ohtani homered for the fifth consecutive game, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record. His 441-foot blast against the Minnesota Twins helped set up a dramatic 9th-inning comeback win. Ohtani, the current NL home run leader, continues his elite performance as both a hitter and pitcher.
Ohtani’s Power Surge Quick Looks
- Homered in fifth straight game, tying Dodgers franchise record
- Hit 441-foot home run off Chris Paddack in first inning
- Leads National League with 37 home runs
- Walked intentionally in 9th inning as potential winning run
- Freddie Freeman delivered game-winning hit after Ohtani walk
- Dodgers beat Twins 4-3 at home
- Ohtani batting .276 with 70 RBIs this season
- Seventh Dodger ever with HRs in five straight games
- Scheduled to pitch four innings Monday in Cincinnati
- Next chance for sixth straight HR is Friday vs. Red Sox in Boston
Deep Look: Ohtani’s Home Run Barrage Ties Dodgers Record as Boston Awaits
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani’s sensational season reached another milestone Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar homered for the fifth consecutive game, tying a franchise record and keeping his red-hot streak alive heading into the weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.
Ohtani wasted no time delivering in front of the Dodger Stadium crowd. In the first inning, he connected on a slow curveball from Minnesota Twins pitcher Chris Paddack, launching it 441 feet to center field. The three-time MVP admired his blast, carrying his bat halfway down the line before flipping it confidently.
With that swing, Ohtani joined Dodgers legends Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, Shawn Green, and Roy Campanella as the only players in franchise history to homer in five straight games.
Power and Poise in Clutch Moments
Ohtani didn’t leave the yard again that night, but his impact loomed large. In the bottom of the ninth, with two outs and the Dodgers trailing the Twins 3-2, Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli made the strategic decision to intentionally walk Ohtani, representing the potential winning run.
That move proved costly.
With Ohtani on base and Esteury Ruiz drawing a walk to load the bases, Freddie Freeman came through with a clutch two-run single to left. Mookie Betts and Ohtani scored, lifting the Dodgers to a 4-3 victory.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts supported the call to walk Ohtani, despite it backfiring for the Twins.
“He’s got five in a row now — pretty impressive,” Roberts said. “You’ve got to take your chances. Shohei comes up with a chance to win the game, so you try to get around him. Fortunately, Esteury put together a great at-bat and Freddie did what Freddie does.”
Unmatched Power: NL Leader with 37 Home Runs
Ohtani now leads the National League with 37 home runs, continuing a torrid pace. He’s also driven in 70 RBIs and holds a .276 batting average, showcasing his balanced offensive dominance.
Even more impressive? Ohtani is working his way back to the mound. He’s already pitched in six games this year and is scheduled to throw four innings on Monday in Cincinnati, marking another step in his return as a two-way star following UCL surgery last season.
Eyeing the Record Books
While Ohtani joins elite Dodgers company with his five-game home run streak, the MLB record for most consecutive games with a home run is eight, shared by Dale Long (1956), Don Mattingly (1987), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1993).
With an off day on Thursday, Ohtani’s next opportunity to extend his streak will be Friday night in Boston, where the dimensions of Fenway Park’s Green Monster might play to his advantage.
“That wall is short. Any fly ball could go,” Roberts said. “If he keeps the same approach, we’ll see what happens.”
Steady at the Plate, Rising on the Mound
As Ohtani balances his responsibilities as the Dodgers’ offensive powerhouse and a soon-to-be starter on the mound, his presence in both aspects of the game is irreplaceable.
Since joining the Dodgers in one of the most high-profile signings in MLB history, Ohtani has lived up to — and even exceeded — expectations, emerging not just as a statistical leader but as a catalyst for team success.
While Ohtani didn’t speak with the media postgame, his message was clear through his performance: he’s locked in, and he’s chasing history.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.