"Everything with Shohei Ohtani feels fake, out of a storybook, like fiction" – MLB analyst on Dodgers star's historic 6-for-6 game with 3 HR and 2 SB
On Saturday, MLB analyst Ben Verlander talked about Shohei Ohtani's incredible 2024 campaign. Ohtani secured the first 50-50 season in MLB history on Thursday, as he hit three home runs and stole two bases in his team's 20-4 win over the Miami Marlins.
Before his time as an analyst, Verlander was selected in the 14th round of the 2013 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers, where he spent five seasons in the minor leagues. He is also the brother of Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander.
On Saturday's edition of "Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander," he talked about how Ohtani continues to defy expectations with his performances.
"[1:45] Everything with Shohei feels fake," Verlander said. "It feels out of a storybook. It feels like fiction, but it's not. First game in MLB history with three home runs and two stolen bases."
"[2:31] Think about it, we're talking about history overall, and this is a big deal because he reached 50-50, but this is also the first game in the history of baseball with three home runs and two stolen bases. Legitimately, in my opinion, the greatest regular season game in baseball history."
Shohei Ohtani reaches 52-52 for the season, gets rousing ovation at home as Dodgers win
The LA Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 6-4 on Friday, as they opened their latest series with a victory. In what was a bullpen game for the hosts, eight different pitchers took to the mound for Dave Roberts' side.
Fresh after reaching the 50-50 mark, Ohtani received a hero's welcome in his first game back at Dodger Stadium when he walked out in the bottom of the first to lead off. In true Shohei Ohtani fashion, he gave the fans what they came to see as he hit another home run and stole a base later in the evening, and got his season total up to 52-52.
After the Dodgers' opening game win, the Rockies drew level 6-3 on Saturday. The two sides will face off again in the rubber game on Sunday, as the Dodgers aim to win their second straight series. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be sent to the mound for the hosts, who has impressed since his return from an arm injury.