Shohei Ohtani Ends 53 At-Bat Home Run Drought, Hits 7th Homer of the Season

(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, May 12) Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani of the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers, batting leadoff as the designated hitter against the San Francisco Giants today, hit his 7th home run of the season in his second at-bat, ending a 53-at-bat home run drought.

Japanese media Full-Count reported that Ohtani needs 13 more home runs to reach 300 career MLB home runs; adding his 48 home runs from his Japan professional baseball career, he will achieve a combined total of 350 career home runs with 15 more.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning of this game, facing Giants pitcher Adrian Houser, Ohtani blasted the ball towards the left-center field home run wall. The exit velocity was 105.9 mph (approx. 170.4 km/h), the flight distance was 398 feet (approx. 121.3 meters), and the launch angle was 23 degrees.

Ohtani's previous home run was on April 26 in the Dodgers' game against the Chicago Cubs. Therefore, his solo home run today is seen as a "resurrection" hit, not only breaking a slump of 52 consecutive at-bats without a home run but also exciting Dodgers fans, who erupted in cheers.

Ohtani performed exceptionally well last May, with a batting average of 0.309, 15 home runs, 27 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.180.

NHK reported that although Ohtani did not contribute any more hits after his second at-bat in this game, he finished the game with 2 hits in 4 at-bats and 1 RBI, with one walk. His batting average rose to .240 after the game.

On the other hand, the Dodgers sent Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, to start this game. In the top of the 5th inning, with the Dodgers leading by one run, the Giants' 8th and 9th batters hit consecutive solo home runs off Yamamoto, reversing the score.

Coupled with the lack of offensive support from the Dodgers' lineup, Yamamoto gave up 5 runs through 7 innings, throwing 93 pitches. Although he recorded 8 strikeouts and no walks, he was hit for 6 hits, including 3 home runs.

Ultimately, the Dodgers lost 2-6, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat. Yamamoto also took his 3rd loss of the season. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-jing) 1150513

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