Shohei Ohtani hit a first-pitch home run against Jacob deGrom. Ohtani crushed deGrom’s four-seamer into the Right Field Pavilion seats. The Dodgers would ultimately fall short of a sweep, losing 5-2 to Texas.
Ohtani Extends On-Base Streak
Ohtani extended his Major League-leading on-base streak early in the game. It now sits at 46 games. This is one shy of tying Ron Cey (1975-76) for the fourth-longest on-base streak by a Dodger in the Modern Era (since 1900).
A First Encounter
Ohtani had never faced deGrom before. DeGrom’s 97.9 mph four-seamer was all Ohtani needed to see to do damage. He hit it at 108.3 mph off the bat for his fifth home run of the season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts liked Ohtani’s first at-bat. He noted that deGrom is one of the best in baseball when he’s right.
Ohtani saw deGrom twice more. He worked a walk on seven pitches in the third inning. He also drew an intentional walk in the fifth after taking a first-pitch ball.
DeGrom’s Perspective
DeGrom said he wanted to face Ohtani in the fifth inning. He stated Ohtani got him on the first at-bat and he walked him on the second. DeGrom said he was hoping he wouldn’t walk him when he fell behind in the count, but they did. He added that he wants to compete against the best and that Ohtani is a great hitter.
Finding His Power Stroke
Ohtani had yet to hit for extra bases at home entering the Dodgers’ second homestand. After hitting a leadoff homer on consecutive days, he seems to be finding his power stroke again. He now leads the Dodgers with five home runs, after hitting his first three on the road last week.
- Longest active on-base streak in MLB (46 games)
- Longest active streak of consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run among SP in MLB (28 2/3 IP)
Ohtani has the chance to join some exclusive company in Monday’s series opener against the Mets. Only three Major Leaguers have hit leadoff homers in three or more consecutive games in the Modern Era: Brady Anderson (four straight games, 1996), Alex Verdugo (three, 2023) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (three, 2018).
Ohtani appears to be rounding into a more complete form at the plate. He has found a way to make things happen even without hitting for as much power in the early going, as demonstrated by his on-base streak.