Ohtani’s Homer and Historic Feat Echo Willie Mays in Dodgers’ Win

Los Angeles Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani smashed his 28th home run of the season, powering a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Thursday. This blast wasn’t just another long ball—it etched Ohtani’s name alongside legend Willie Mays, as he became the first player since 1954 to hit 28 homers and notch six triples in a team’s first 80 games.

In the seventh inning, with two outs and the Dodgers clinging to a 2-1 lead, Ohtani crushed a hanging breaking ball from Rockies reliever Tyler Kinley 418 feet into the Dodgers’ bullpen. The three-time MVP’s bat continues to sizzle, boasting a .291 average, 52 RBI, and 11 stolen bases this season, tying him with Aaron Judge for second in MLB home runs, trailing only Cal Raleigh’s 32.

But Ohtani’s magic isn’t limited to the plate. After elbow surgery sidelined him from pitching since August 2023, he’s back on the mound. His June 16 debut against the San Diego Padres saw him allow one run in an inning. A week later, he tossed a scoreless frame against the Washington Nationals, fanning two. The Dodgers, valuing his offensive firepower, are keeping his pitching outings short, avoiding minor-league stints to preserve his bat in the lineup.

As the Dodgers (51-31) gear up for a weekend series against the Kansas City Royals (38-43) at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani’s next start on the mound is slated for Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET. His dual-threat brilliance continues to redefine what’s possible in baseball.