Shohei Ohtani makes more history in Angels' win over Orioles (2024)

BALTIMORE—

Shohei Ohtani turned a shaky start on the mound into another night of historic excellence.

Ohtani became the first starting pitcher since 1964 to reach base five times in a game as the Angels beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-5 on Monday night. Ohtani had four hits and a walk, making up for his pitching struggles with a stellar performance at the plate. He hit a titanic three-run homer and finished a double shy of the cycle on a night the Orioles hit three home runs off him.

“I’m sure all those records come because the sample size is so small, so I don’t really look too deeply into it,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.

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The sample size — of players who can hit and pitch like this — is indeed small. That is, of course, what makes Ohtani such a marvel. The last person to reach base five times in a game he started on the mound was Mel Stottlemyre of the New York Yankees, on Sept. 26, 1964, against Washington.

Ohtani (5-1) gave up five runs on four hits in seven innings, but he did plenty of damage with a bat in his hands. In addition to his 456-foot drive in the fourth that gave the Angels a 7-4 lead, he had a walk, two singles and a triple.

“He’s a once-in-a-generation player. Once in a lifetime, really,” Orioles infielder Adam Frazier said. “Special guy, and I’m glad to say I can compete against him, because it’s fun. He brings out the best in everyone.”

Needing a two-base hit for the cycle, Ohtani grounded into a forceout in the seventh. In the ninth, there was an audible cheer from the Baltimore crowd when Mike Trout drew a two-out walk to give Ohtani another plate appearance. He singled directly to the left fielder, and there was no real chance of it turning into a double.

No starting pitcher has ever hit for the cycle, according to Sportradar.

“I was definitely happy to see that walk give me a shot for the cycle,” Ohtani said. “But I failed.”

Orioles rookie Grayson Rodriguez (2-1) gave up eight runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. With the score tied at 4 in the fourth, Ohtani connected for his ninth home run of the season. The ball appeared to bounce off the gate behind the seating area in right-center field at Camden Yards.

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“I was actually pretty relaxed at the plate today,” Ohtani said. “Hung the curveball in a good spot. I didn’t even really take a hard swing, but the ball went where it went.”

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Matt Thaiss added an RBI double that inning. Then in the fifth, Ohtani tripled and scored his third run of the game on Hunter Renfroe’s double.

The Orioles had more success against Ohtani while he was pitching. Frazier hit a two-run homer in the second to give Baltimore a 2-1 lead, and after Gio Urshela of the Angels hit a two-run double in the third, Anthony Santander answered with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning to put the Orioles up 4-3.

Chad Wallach led off the fourth with a home run for the Angels, and they went on to score four more runs in the inning.

Cedric Mullins hit a solo shot for Baltimore in the fifth. After giving up only two runs in 28 innings through his first five starts, Ohtani has yielded 17 runs in 25 innings over his past four. In those last four starts, he’s given up eight home runs.

“Sometimes he does get tired,” manager Phil Nevin said. “Impressive night. I know he gave up the five runs, but ... the damage was minimal because the hits were down. Not a lot of guys on base.”

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Shohei Ohtani makes more history in Angels' win over Orioles (2024)

FAQs

What is the greatness of Shohei Ohtani? ›

Ohtani is a two-time American League MVP, the only player in American League/National League history with at least 100 career home runs as a batter and 600 career strikeouts as a pitcher, and last season's AL home run champion (among a litany of other historic accomplishments).

Why is Shohei Ohtani important? ›

The 29-year-old is widely considered to be one of the most talented players in baseball history – a once-in-a-century phenomenon who has been compared to another figure who starred as a pitcher and a slugger: Babe Ruth.

What records did Shohei Ohtani break? ›

176. The Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar passes Hideki Matsui for most career homers in the majors by a Japanese player with a two-run shot against the New York Mets. It's official: Shohei Ohtani is Japan's best power hitter of all time.

Why is Shohei Ohtani called a unicorn? ›

11, is often referred to as a “unicorn” by local media. His inimitable talent as a two-way baseball player must make him as unique as the legendary creature.

Is Ohtani the most valuable player? ›

First player all-time to win multiple MVP Awards unanimously. ANAHEIM – RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani today was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).

Is Ohtani the greatest of all time? ›

Logan Martinez, another baseball writer, wrote, “… it is safe to say that Ohtani is certainly the greatest baseball player the world has ever seen.” “He's the most incredible athlete I've ever seen in baseball,” said Dusty Baker, who has spent 55 years in the major leagues as a player and manager.

Is Shohei Ohtani already a hall of famer? ›

On this front, that means the whole "is he already a Hall of Famer" answer is an emphatic no. The foundation Ohtani has laid is that of a Hall of Famer, however, even for a 29-year-old who requires at least four more seasons.

What records does Shohei Ohtani hold? ›

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani holds the Major League Baseball record for the most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player. He does not, however, hold that record on his own team. That one still belongs to manager Dave Roberts — at least for the time being.

How many triples did Shohei Ohtani have? ›

Shohei Ohtani has tripled 31 times in his career.
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Shohei Ohtani22018
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What is Shohei Ohtani's current batting average? ›

2024 Regular Season
ABAVGOPS
227.326.999

Why is Shohei Ohtani a big deal? ›

Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers makes him the highest-paid athlete in history, so he comes out ahead in this transaction, and the Dodgers just got the most talented player in the history of the sport, so they did, too.

Is Shohei Ohtani the best fantasy player? ›

Shohei Ohtani's 10 RBI are a lie

640 with a 178 wRC+ while striking out at a career-low rate (17.7%) by a wide margin. He's been a top-10 fantasy player anyway, but Ohtani doesn't rank top-50 in RBI this season. He's sporting a . 360 batting average but is hitting .

Is Shohei Ohtani the ace? ›

Through Ohtani's first five starts, he posted a 0.64 ERA. It's been a confusing slog since then. But at the end of the day, he's still the Angels' ace — even if his performance over the last six weeks hasn't been indicative of that.

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