Ohtani's 42nd gun explodes! He hit the first-inning leadoff home run, BAL ace...Season 51 Home Run Pace
Aug 29, 2024
|
|
Ohtani played as a leadoff designated hitter in the home game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium on the 29th (Korea time) and activated his cannon at his first at-bat.
Against Baltimore right-hander Corbin Burns, he lightly pulled an 87.4-mile slider that flew outside for the fifth time in a ball count of 1B2S and flew well over the right fence.
The parabolic ball flew well over the right fence at 33 degrees Celsius, 102.2 miles, and 391 feet in distance. Baltimore right fielder Anthony Santander chased him as if to catch him, but the ball extended farther than expected.
Burns is Baltimore's ace with 12-6 losses, 3.28 ERA, 146 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.13 in 26 games until the previous day, and is considered a candidate for this year's AL Cy Young Award. After this season, it is in the spotlight as the biggest fish for pitchers in the FA market, and it is certain to receive a total of more than $200 million.
However, he allowed 10 hits and 8 runs in 4 innings against the Boston Red Sox on the 17th, and showed sluggish performance again against the Houston Astros on the 23rd with 8 hits and 6 runs in 5 ⅔ innings. He also got off to a rough start on the day, getting hit by his first batter Ohtani.
It is the first time in four days that Ohtani hit a home run since the Tampa Bay Rays game on the 25th. Ohtani, who reached the 40th home run mark with a walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning against Tampa Bay on the 24th, hit his 41st and 42nd home runs within five days, not slowing down and enhancing his chances of achieving 50 home runs. If you apply the current pace, you will hit 51 home runs.
The stolen base has yet to be added after taking the 40th shot against Tampa Bay on the 24th.
It was Ohtani's fourth and 10th career home run in the first inning.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers set this day as Ohtani Bubblehead Day and distributed it to 40,000 spectators on a first-come, first-served basis. Bubblehead shows Ohtani holding his pet dog Decoy.
|
jhno@sportschosun.com
