Ohtani Nears Historic 50-50 Mark with 49th Stolen Base

Photo byMLB

Shohei Ohtani didn’t waste any time on the base paths Wednesday, stealing his 49th base of the season in the first inning in the Dodgers’ 8-4 win over the Marlins at loanDepot Park.

Ohtani singled off left-hander Ryan Weathers in his first at-bat. He then took off for second base on the first pitch to Mookie Betts, sliding in safely. With the 49th stolen base, Ohtani matched Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for the second-most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player in Major League history.

Ichiro Suzuki holds the record for a Japanese player with 56 stolen bases in 2001.

Photo byTrueBlue LA

I was hoping for a bad throw because a good throw gets him. He had a decent jump, but Miami catcher Nick Fortes had to hurry the throw because of his speed. He was safe, and I hope he breaks it either tomorrow or at home. - Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts

The Dodgers can secure a postseason spot with a win against the Marlins in Thursday’s rubber game.

Ohtani is closing in on becoming the first player in Major League history to have a 50 homer, 50 stolen base season. As of Thursday morning, he has 48 homers and 49 stolen bases this year.

He’s now two homers and one stolen base shy of becoming the only player to hit the 50-50 mark.

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