Shohei Ohtani got to face his former team, The Los Angeles Angels, for the first time this weekend and continued to prove why he is the National League MVP frontrunner. The former Angel, now Dodger, has gotten off to a red-hot start through the first portion of the MLB season.
In the second game of the two-game series, Ohtani went one for four with a two-run bomb and a walk. This was the second home run Ohtani hit off his former team during the series. This homer would also make it three straight games where Ohtani has gone deep. These types of games are a nightly occurrence for Ohtani, who continues to display impressive power.
The sound on this Shohei homer. 😳 pic.twitter.com/sCNC7EIHm4
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 23, 2024
In game number one between the Dodgers and the Angels, Ohtani also made his presence felt. Despite the Dodgers falling short, Ohtani went two-for-two with a home run and two walks.
An MVP candidate once again, this season has the potential to be Ohtani’s best at the plate. He currently leads the NL in home runs, batting average, OPS, SLG, and runs. Ohtani is also in the top ten in the NL in RBIs, doubles, walks, stolen bases, and on-base percentage—an otherworldly start to the 2024 season for the Japanese-born player.
Not only is Shohei Ohtani a serious contender to win his third MVP in four seasons, but he is also a threat to win the Triple Crown. Ohtani is the current leader in two of the three necessary statistics to win the triple crown but in third for RBIs behind Marcell Ozuna and Alec Bohm. A feat that has not been done since Miguel Cabrera in 2012; Ohtani could cement his name in MLB history if he can continue this scorching start to the season.
Photo Credit: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a home run during the game against the Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Michael Owens/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
