Shohei Ohtani News: Dodgers Star Breaks 50-50 Barrier With Massive Game in Miami

With stolen bases in the first and second inning, and home runs in the sixth and seventh, Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani became the first member of baseball's 50-50 club on Thursday in Miami.

Ohtani finished 6 for 6 in one of the greatest individual games ever in baseball history.

Ohtani was sitting on 48 home runs coming into the game, and stayed there until the sixth inning. His 49th homer against George Soriano sailed deep to left field and tied Shawn Green's franchise record for the most home runs in a single season ever by a Dodger.

Ohtani's 50th home run of the season against Marlins pitcher Mike Baumann broke the mark in the seventh inning and officially made Ohtani the first 50-homer, 50-steal player ever.

In the ninth inning, Ohtani hit his 51st home run against Vidal Brujan, a position player pitching in mop-up duty to finish out the final inning of the Dodgers' 20-4 blowout.

Shohei Ohtani just delivered the greatest individual offensive performance in Dodgers history:

Ohtani went 6-for-6 with 3 home runs, 2 doubles, and a single, 10 RBI, 4 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases.

We're witnessing all-time greatness.

pic.twitter.com/Q8jZJaABIG
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) September 19, 2024

Ohtani did not hit a home run during the Dodgers' four-game series against the Atlanta Braves. But he inched closer with his 48th home run of the season on Tuesday before bashing through the 50-homer plateau Thursday.

The home run record, set by Green back in 2001, stood for more than two decades. Green recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of his record being broken, expressing admiration for Ohtani.

“I think Ohtani is the greatest baseball player who ever lived. If he retired today, he’d be the greatest baseball player,” Green said during a phone interview with JP Hoornstra of Dodgers Nation. “It’s been an honor to hold the most home runs in a season by a Dodger. If it’s going to get broken, why not by the greatest player who ever lived?”

Despite the historic chase, Ohtani has insisted he’s staying focused on maintaining consistent at-bats.

"No pressure," Ohtani said through an interpreter after Tuesday's game. "I'm just trying to maintain quality at-bats regardless of the situation. It’s something I’ve been working on all season."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has taken note of the milestone, observing that it’s "front of mind" for Ohtani, though it doesn’t appear to be weighing him down. Roberts pointed out that Ohtani has been pulling more pitches lately, leading to more predetermined swings, but he understands why.

"I do feel that's somewhat natural," Roberts said. "I think he just wants to get it over with — but he's still trying to help us win baseball games."

Ohtani's five extra-base hits allowed him to break Freddie Freeman's 2023 record for the most extra-base hits in a single season by a Dodger.