Steve Webb
Game 153, 9/19/2024: Dodgers 20, Marlins 4
MIAMI, FL — This just in. Shohei Ohtani is good at baseball. The Amazing Ohtani did practically everything except sell popcorn in the finale at LoanDepot Park as the Dodgers’ offense continued to roll, cruising to a huge 20-4 win over the Miami Marlins. Ohtani’s performance was jaw-dropping. 6-for-6. A 50th and 51st stolen base. A 49th home run. A 50th home run. And (are you kidding me?) a 51st home run. Ten RBI. Simply otherworldly. The best single-game offensive performance of perhaps all time from the next NL MVP. You can only shake your head and marvel at the sheer magnitude of his accomplishment. It was unreal.
Ohtani’s Offensive Prowess
Ohtani wasted no time making an impact in the game, doubling on the fifth pitch of the game and later stealing his 50th base of the season. This led to a sacrifice fly by Will Smith, allowing Ohtani to score the Dodgers’ first run. His speed on the base paths and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities set the tone early.
In the second inning, Ohtani added to his contribution with an RBI single, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 2-0. Ohtani stole second base soon after, further demonstrating his all-around excellence.
As the Dodgers continued to pile on the runs, Ohtani remained at the heart of their offensive surge. In the third inning, he delivered a crucial two-run double, scoring Gavin Lux and Andy Pages. This brought the score to 7-1, giving the Dodgers a comfortable lead.
Historic Home Run Barrage
The crowning moments of Ohtani’s performance came in the later innings when he took his power display to another level. In the sixth inning, Ohtani blasted a two-run homer, his 49th of the season, deep into right center field. The shot gave the Dodgers a 9-3 lead, deflating any momentum the Marlins had managed to build.
But Ohtani wasn’t finished. In the seventh inning, with two outs and Andy Pages on base, he hit his second home run of the game—his 50th of the season—making him the first player in MLB history to join the 50-home-run and 50-stolen-base club. The significance of this achievement cannot be understated, as it solidifies Ohtani’s place among baseball’s greats, both for his power at the plate and his speed on the base paths.
In the ninth inning, Ohtani completed the trifecta, hammering his third home run of the game. This three-run blast capped off his historic day, bringing his total to 51 home runs and 120 RBIs for the season. Ohtani finished the game with 10 RBIs, an impressive accomplishment that underscored his dominance at the plate.
A Complete Team Effort
While Ohtani’s individual heroics grabbed the headlines, the Dodgers’ victory was a true team effort. Max Muncy, Andy Pages, and Gavin Lux all contributed with timely hits and walks that kept the pressure on Miami’s pitching staff. Pages, in particular, had an outstanding day, driving in three runs and hitting a key double in the seventh inning.
On the mound, Jack Flaherty delivered a solid performance for Los Angeles, allowing three runs over six innings. The Dodgers’ bullpen—led by Evan Phillips and Zach Logue—held the Marlins to one run for the final three innings, allowing just three hits and striking out three batters.
Ohtani’s Season to Remember
Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable performance in this game not only helped the Dodgers secure their 90th win of the season but also further cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s most unique and talented players. With 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases, Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a complete player, excelling in every facet of the game.
As the Dodgers push towards the playoffs, Ohtani’s contributions will be crucial to their success. His ability to single-handedly take over games, as he did against Miami, is a weapon that makes the Dodgers one of the most dangerous teams in baseball.
In a season full of unforgettable moments, this game will be remembered as one of the crowning achievements of Shohei Ohtani’s already storied career.
Having finished the road trip with a 4-3 record, the Dodgers return to Los Angeles for a crucial final homestand of the year. The warm-up will be a weekend series with the Colorado Rockies. Then after an off day, a huge series against the San Diego Padres. Going into this homestand, FanGraphs gives the Padres a less than 10 percent chance of catching the Dodgers and winning the division, but that is still not nothing. A good series against the Friars will go a long way at instilling confidence in this team as they approach the postseason. But first things first, the Dodgers will try their luck against Kyle Freeland on Friday night, 7:10 first pitch. Dodger pitching for the series is still in flux, so as they say, stay tuned. Six homes games left. See you at the ballpark.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
