Shohei Ohtani hit a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th home run after earlier stealing his 40th base, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Ohtani became the fastest player ever and the sixth player in history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season. He’s also the first Dodger to achieve this feat.
He broke the record previously held by Alfonso Soriano, who reached the mark in Game 148 for the Washington Nationals in 2006. Ohtani accomplished it in his 126th game and the Dodgers’ 129th of the season.
“He’s definitely known for the dramatics and this is something I’ll remember for a long time,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. “What a way to cap off a great night.”
The Japanese superstar came out of the dugout to wave at 45,556 fans who gave him a standing ovation. His teammates poured water on him on the field.
Will Smith was hit by Manuel Rodriguez (2-3) to start the ninth inning, and Tommy Edman followed with a single. Smith and Edman advanced on Miguel Rojas’ sacrifice. Colin Poche came in and walked Max Muncy, setting up Ohtani’s 389-foot grand slam to center field.
“He’s just dangerous any time he puts that uniform on,” Roberts said.
Center fielder Jose Siri chased the home run ball, which bounced back onto the field. He threw it back into the stands, so Ohtani did not get to keep it, according to Ohtani’s interpreter Will Ireton.
With the game tied 3-3, the Rays had a chance to take the lead in the ninth. A ball hit by Jonny DeLuca bounced off the heel of reliever Michael Kopech’s glove for an error. DeLuca was caught stealing, and Siri struck out on a 101-mph pitch from winning pitcher Kopech (4-8) to end the inning.
