Two days after reaching 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, Shohei Ohtani progressed toward reaching Major League Baseball’s elite “40-40” club with his 34th homer and 32nd steal for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
Ohtani went 2-for-3 with a game-tying sacrifice fly in the Dodgers’ four-run third inning at Dodger Stadium, doubled and stole third base in the fifth inning, and produced an eighth-inning insurance run with an opposite-field home run.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani homers against the Philadelphia Phillies in their National League game at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 5, 2024. (Kyodo)
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani steals third base against the Philadelphia Phillies in their National League game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 5, 2024. (Kyodo)
After the game, Ohtani was asked if becoming the sixth MLB player with 40 homers and 40 steals in a season was now a goal of his.
“Of course, I hope to hit home runs when the team needs them. Regarding stolen bases, I thought I could steal more, and that I could contribute more to wins if I try to steal in high-percentage opportunities,” Ohtani said. “That’s where my focus is.”
Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow (9-6) struck out nine while allowing three runs over six innings in an emotional night for the home team, which welcomed back first baseman Freddie Freeman, whose son is now beginning physical therapy after a severe illness.
Freeman had been absent for nine days after his youngest son was diagnosed, according to MLB.com, with a rare neurological illness he is expected to recover from. Freeman received a standing ovation before his first at-bat.
“Being able to win with Freddie being back for the first time was really important for us,” Ohtani said. “(His son) has a long rehab ahead of him. The fans showed that everyone is behind him, and that was superb. It was awesome to see.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman salutes Dodgers stadium fans as he receives a standing ovation in a National League game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 5, 2024. (Kyodo)
