Shohei Ohtani creates history for most number of home runs than any other Japanese-born MLB player
Shohei Ohtani has reached yet another milestone in his MLB career. The Dodgers star created history by smashing his fifth home run for the boys in blue, becoming the only Japanese-born MLB player to have the most number of home runs.
The Dodgers are coming off an easy victory against the New York Mets with a score of 10-0, and Shotime's breakthrough was the game's highlight. The slugger smashed his 176th home run, surpassing Hideki Matsui's record.
Ohtani's two-run shot during the third inning helped the Dodgers end their three-game losing streak. He put the Dodgers on the board with his 423-foot shot that came off Adrian Houser.
It's a memorable day for Shohei Ohtani as he adds another jewel to the crown. The 29-year-old had a slow start to the season but has picked up the pace despite several challenges thrown at him.
Shohei Ohtani feels relieved after crossing Matsui's home run record
Beating a record is always challenging and even the mighty Shohei Ohtani faced hurdles along the way. Matsui is a huge icon in Japan and is widely recognized for his contribution to the majors. At the beginning of his career, Ohtani was not keen on breaking the legend's record. However, given the athlete's call for dominance at the plate, nobody could stop him from reaching the milestone.
“Not something I was cognizant of when I first started my career here," Ohtani said in a post-game interview. "... Honestly, I was just relieved I was able to get it over with."
The Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was one among many who reflected on Ohtani's 176th home run. Roberts said it was a big deal for Ohtani to break Matsui's record.
"Hideki Matsui was a great ballplayer, a great home run hitter, a world champion," Roberts said. "I know that Shohei admired him, so for him to eclipse that mark, it's a big deal. I know whatever kind of mark is ahead of Shohei, he's trying to take them all down."
The Dodgers are getting the best of their $700 million deal with the Japanese star. Ohtani has enough time to set the bar higher with his new record.