Dodgers News: Ohtani Crushes 46th HR, Matching Personal Best in 103-Degree Heat

Shohei Ohtani continues to make headlines, hitting his 46th home run of the season and tying his career high as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-0.

The game took place under sweltering conditions, with the first pitch temperature reaching 103 degrees, matching the record for the hottest game at Dodger Stadium.

Ohtani launched a 450-foot solo home run down the right-field line in the fifth inning, a hit that was briefly reviewed for fairness. This season, he has now hit 22 home runs of at least 450 feet, leading all players since 2021.

"We were just curious why it was taking so long to look at the replay," Dodgers teammate Max Muncy said . "Maybe the guys in New York were admiring it just as much as we were."

In addition to his impressive power numbers, Ohtani is also making a run for a historic 50-50 season, having stolen 46 bases so far.

He previously achieved 46 home runs in 2021 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, a season that earned him the American League MVP award.

"I'm trying to be less cognizant of it and more so just focusing on having good feel at the plate and whenever possible during the game, whether that be stealing bases or moving to the next base, that's what I'm trying to do," Ohtani said through an interpreter .

On the day, Ohtani went 2-for-4 at the plate but was picked off at first base during the third inning. He is now just one home run away from tying Cody Bellinger's record for the third-most home runs in a single season in Dodgers history.

Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty delivered a strong performance, going 7⅓ innings and striking out six batters while allowing just four hits. Since joining the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers, he has recorded a 5-1 record.

"It was fun when you get different elements like that, either really cold or really hot," Flaherty said . "It was just another challenge. It was fun. You need a little preparation before that. Make sure everything is moving and hydrated. Pretty sure everyone else was hotter than I was out there."

Max Muncy also contributed to the win with a home run in the eighth inning, marking his 12th of the season, which has been hampered by injuries.

In injury news, Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone is sidelined with right shoulder inflammation and will not throw for the next ten days.

His availability for the postseason remains uncertain as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season.