Shohei Ohtani on Friday hit a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th home run of the MLB season after earlier stealing his 40th base, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ohtani became the fastest player in major-league history and sixth ever to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a season. He is also the first Dodgers player to do so.
He broke the record held by Alfonso Soriano, who reached the mark in 148 games for the Washington Nationals in 2006. Ohtani did it in his 126th game and the Dodgers’ 129th of the season.
Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA Today
“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 showered Ohtani with water on the field.
Will Smith was hit by Manuel Rodriguez (2-3) leading off the ninth and Tommy Edman followed with a single. Smith and Edman moved up on Miguel Rojas’ sacrifice. Colin Poche came in and walked Muncy to set up Ohtani’s slam to center.
“He’s just dangerous any time he puts that uniform on,” Roberts said.
Center fielder Jose Siri gave chase and the home run ball bounced back onto the field. He threw it back into the stands, leaving Ohtani without the keepsake, Ohtani’s interpreter Will Ireton said.
Tied 3-3, the Rays had the go-ahead run on in the ninth. A ball hit by Jonny DeLuca hit off the heel of reliever Michael Kopech’s glove for an error. DeLuca was caught stealing before Siri struck out.
Meanwhile, Danny Jansen is to be the first major-leaguer to appear in a game for both teams when he plays catcher for the Boston Red Sox tomorrow in the resumption of a suspended game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
“He’s catching. Let’s make history,” Boston manager Alex Cora said on Friday before the Red Sox dropped the opener of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-2.
Jansen was about to bat for Toronto when the June 26 game against Boston was suspended in the second inning because of rain. It was rescheduled for tomorrow as part of a doubleheader.
“I don’t know if it’s set in for me. It’s definitely a cool thing. Definitely grateful,” Jansen said.
“Honestly, when I heard about it, I didn’t think I would be the first,” he added. “The game has been around for so long. It’s one of those oddities that happen in this sport. It’s extremely rare and cool.”
The Red Sox acquired the 29-year-old Jansen in a trade on July 27.
Reese McGuire was Boston’s catcher for the June 26 game. McGuire was assigned outright to Triple-A Worcester after the Red Sox traded for Jansen.
Elsewhere on Friday, it was:
Athletics 3, Brewers 11
Blue Jays 5, Angels 4
Braves 3, Nationals 2 (10i)
Guardians 3, Rangers 5
Mariners 6, Giants 5 (10i)
Marlins 3, Cubs 6
Orioles 7, Astros 5
Padres 7, Mets 0
Pirates 6, Reds 5
Twins 1, Cardinals 6
White Sox 2, Tigers 5
Yankees 3, Rockies 0
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