Here’s the press release ready:
PHOENIX. – Shohei Ohtani continues to write his name in the history books of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Japanese superstar hit his 54th home run of the season this Thursday, equaling both his personal best and the franchise record for most home runs in a season, a record that he himself had set last year.
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The hit, a two-run shot to the right field pool at Chase Field, came in the fourth inning off a low pitch from Nabil Crismatt and traveled 406 feet, according to Statcast. The connection was part of the 8-0 victory over the Diamondbacks, with which the Dodgers secured the National League West title for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons.
In just two years with the Dodgers, Ohtani has 108 home runs, the third-most in history for a player in their first two seasons with a franchise. Only Babe Ruth (113 with the Yankees between 1920-21) and Alex Rodriguez (109 with the Rangers in 2001-02) have hit more in that span, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Ohtani’s hit was part of an offensive onslaught in the early innings, which also included two home runs by Freddie Freeman and a home run by Andy Pagés. With that production, the Dodgers emphatically sealed a new divisional crown and sent a message of power heading into the postseason.
With 54 home runs, Ohtani not only confirms his ability as one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball, but also places himself again in the elite of the offensive records of the Los Angeles franchise.
