May 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani was hitless on Thursday and Friday, and at one point between those two games struck out in six consecutive at-bats, the latter a personal best, or worst, I suppose. But the Dodgers designated hitter turned things around quickly on Saturday.
First came a pair of walks with a hit by pitch in between. After getting hit by said pitch on his foot, Ohtani stole second base, his team-leading 18th steal of the season.
Then he tripled into right field with two outs in the sixth inning, trying to create an insurance run out of whole cloth, though Ohtani was stranded.
In the eighth inning, after Miguel Vargas gave the Dodgers the lead back with a solo home run that bounced off and over the left field wall, Ohtani obliterated a ball to center field for a no-doubt blast that punctuated the win over the Brewers.
Ohtani leads the National League with 28 home runs on the season, including 13 in his last 23 games.
“Hitting is very difficult, and certainly when you’re Shohei guys are going to bring their best when they face him,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But I think for him, just simplifying where he’s good in the strike zone, then the natural ability takes over. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
On Saturday, Ohtani filled up the box score with his two extra-base hits, two runs scored, one RBI, two walks, the hit by pitch, and a steal. Even before the home run, his game featured so many different elements that he already shared select company in Dodgers history.
