Shohei Ohtani hit his 46th home run of the season, matching his career high with a powerful 450-foot solo drive down the right-field line during the fifth inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Cleveland Guardians on a scorching Sunday afternoon.
The temperature at Dodger Stadium reached a blistering 103 degrees, tying the record for the hottest first pitch in the venue’s history. Ohtani’s impressive homer came off Cleveland’s starting pitcher, Tanner Bibee, and was subject to a review to determine its fairness.
Previously, Ohtani also recorded 46 home runs in 2021 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, a season that earned him the AL MVP title. With 46 stolen bases this year, he is on the verge of becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve a 50-50 season, showcasing his remarkable versatility and athleticism.
Interestingly, the first pitch temperature of 103 degrees also marked Game 1 of the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros, highlighting how extreme weather can coincide with significant baseball moments.
