Los Angeles star Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff home run in back-to-back games for only the second time in his career. The current National League MVP launched a homer off Gavin Williams in Cleveland, marking his 19th home run of the season and leading Major League Baseball on Monday night.
This was Ohtani’s fifth leadoff home run and the 17th time he has done so since starting his major league career in 2018 after coming from Japan. It was also the second occasion this year where he went deep on the first pitch. Gavin Williams has given up three first-pitch home runs this season, one of the highest totals alongside Jeffrey Springs, Nestle Cortes, and Tanner Houck.
Ohtani previously hit leadoff home runs in consecutive games last season against the Chicago White Sox. manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Ohtani is likely to have a bullpen session on Thursday following live batting practice on Sunday. This comes as Ohtani is recovering from right elbow surgery performed on September 19, 2023. Roberts noted that Ohtani has been feeling better since yesterday.
— Report by Associated Press
Fan Take: Shohei Ohtani continues to prove why he’s one of the most electrifying players in baseball today. His ability to consistently start games with power sets the tone early and energizes fans, signaling that baseball still has room for dynamic stars who bring excitement to every at-bat.
