MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani displayed calmness as he rounded the bases in the ninth inning on Thursday, following another remarkable home run that added to what is becoming one of the most incredible performances in baseball history. However, as he made his way through the familiar line of high-fives in the dugout, he couldn’t help but crack a smile, exhibiting a mix of amazement and humility over his remarkable achievements.
The home run, his third of the evening and 51st of the season, also marked his milestone 10th RBI of the game, setting a new record for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This feat capped a game in which Ohtani became the first player ever to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single MLB season, while also securing his first postseason appearance in Major League Baseball.
“Honestly, I’m probably the most surprised,” Ohtani said through an interpreter in a televised interview. “I have no idea where this came from, but I’m glad that I performed well today.”
Just 27 days prior, Ohtani entered the 40/40 club with a jaw-dropping walk-off grand slam. He subsequently raised the bar even higher, having a six-hit game that included three home runs and two stolen bases during a dominating 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.
The Dodgers, who have spent the summer marveling at Ohtani’s talent, are struggling to find words to describe his accomplishments.
“I almost cried, to be honest with you,” said veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas. “It was incredibly emotional seeing everything he accomplishes day after day. Witnessing him reach that mark is simply amazing.”
Beginning their seven-game road trip, Ohtani was only three home runs and two steals away from the 50/50 milestone. However, after the first six games, he had recorded just one homer and one steal. When the series finale took place at LoanDepot Park, it seemed like the record would have to wait until the team’s return home. Ohtani quickly changed that narrative with a double to right-center and then reached his 50th steal by narrowly avoiding a tag from Marlins third baseman Connor Norby.
Following a single in the second inning, Ohtani secured stolen base No. 51 soon after. He then hit a two-run double in the third, before being thrown out while attempting to stretch it into a triple. In the sixth inning, he cranked a 438-foot home run into the second deck, bringing his total to 49.
With two outs in the seventh inning and runners on second and third, it was anticipated that the Marlins might intentionally walk Ohtani. But Marlins manager Skip Schumaker exhibited tremendous respect for Ohtani’s abilities, stating he would rather pitch to him.
Using a knuckle-curve near the strike zone, Marlins pitcher Mike Baumann saw his pitch driven into the Recess Sports Lounge beyond the left-center fence, resulting in home run No. 50, a career high and setting a Dodgers record.
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy noted, “For him to stay calm and hit it on a line, knowing the significance of the moment, is just incredible.”
Despite the fan who secured the historic baseball leaving the park with it in hand, Ohtani relished the moment as he made a triumphant slap with first-base coach Clayton McCullough while rounding the bases. Afterward, he expressed being “happy” and “relieved” to achieve the 50/50 milestone.
Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts commented, “He was just feeling it. He could have hit four home runs today. It’s hard to put into words what he accomplished.”
A crowd of 15,548 witnessed Ohtani’s historic achievement, giving him a standing ovation that prompted a curtain call. Ohtani acknowledged the fans, the pitcher who allowed the home run, and the Marlins’ dugout, sharing a moment of respect for the game.
Schumaker remarked on the significance of pitching to Ohtani, saying, “You can’t run from it. He hit the home run. He’s hit 50 of them. He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen. What he’s doing is extraordinary.”
Ohtani’s standout accomplishments from the day include being the first player to reach a 50/50 season, the first to get three home runs and two stolen bases in one game, and setting multiple records for the Dodgers.
After the game, the Dodgers celebrated their playoff clinch with a toast before preparing for an upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies. Manager Dave Roberts reminded the team that while they secured a postseason berth, the ultimate goal remains winning the National League West title and pursuing a World Series championship.
Ohtani, playing in his 866th career game, was relieved to have reached the milestone quickly, stating that it felt necessary as the attention on him grew with every at-bat. He achieved remarkable statistics, including being the first player since RBIs became official in 1920 to record 10 RBIs and five extra-base hits in a single game.
Reflecting on Ohtani’s game, Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux declared, “That has to be the greatest baseball game of all time. What he’s doing at this level is unbelievable.”
By the top of the ninth, with the Dodgers leading by 11, the Marlins allowed player Vidal Brujan to pitch to end the game. As Ohtani stepped to the plate once more, one of his teammates jokingly urged him for a cycle instead of another home run, but Ohtani responded with a powerful upper deck shot that sent the ball soaring 440 feet.