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MIAMI — Shohei Otani became the first player in baseball history to reach the 50/50 club on Thursday, and he did it in dominant fashion — with three home runs and two stolen bases in a six-hit game that led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 20-4 victory.
Ohtani opened the game with a double off the wall in right-center field against Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera, then notched his 50th steal of the season by stealing third base. He followed that up with his 51st steal in the second inning. Ohtani then added a two-out double in the third — before being ejected trying to extend it into a triple — and followed that up with a 438-foot home run into the second deck of LoanDepot Park in the sixth for his 49th home run.
Ohtani struck again with runners on second and third and two outs in the seventh inning, leading many to wonder if the Marlins would strike for him. They did — and Ohtani led the way, taking a 1-2 curveball from Mike Bowman and lofting it over the fence in left-center field for his 50th home run of the season.
Ohtani roared as he made his way to the first base line, then walked off the field to say goodbye after celebrating with his teammates. He then laughed as he made his way back to first base in the next inning — after hitting a 440-foot home run off Marlins center fielder Vidal Brogan.
Otani hit three home runs, six hits and 10 RBIs, a career high. The 10 RBIs set a Dodgers record. He became the first player to hit three home runs and two stolen bases in a game since at least 1900 and the first player since RBIs became official in 1920 to hit 10 RBIs and five extra-base hits in a game. Otani also became the second player since at least 1901 to hit six hits in a game, including five extra-base hits, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The man who secured a 40/40 unbeaten season after winning the Grand Slam on August 23 had found another way to make history in spectacular fashion.
The best part: The Dodgers’ convincing win secured them another playoff spot. And for Ohtani, it will be his first playoff appearance. The two-way star has played 866 games without reaching the playoffs, the most of any active player.
This will be over soon – officially.
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