Shohei Ohtani launches 55th HR to set Dodgers’ single-season record

Rodney Knuppel

Shohei Ohtani launches 55th HR to set Dodgers’ single-season record image

Jiji Press

Shohei Ohtani gave Los Angeles another milestone moment Sunday in Seattle, crushing his 55th home run of the season to set a new Dodgers franchise record.

Ohtani keeps rewriting history with the Dodgers

The towering 412-foot blast to center came in the seventh inning off Mariners reliever Gabe Speier, stretching the lead to 5-0 in what ended as a 6-1 Dodgers win.

This swing pushed Ohtani past the 54 homers he hit last season in his Dodgers debut, which itself had been the team record. Back with the Angels in 2021, his previous career high was 46. Now, at 31, he’s topped his own mark and once again reset the bar for power in Los Angeles.

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It’s not just home runs. Ohtani has driven in 102 runs, reaching the century mark for the third time in his career. He’s also contributed on the mound, returning from elbow surgery to post a 2.87 ERA across 14 starts. Though he’s been used carefully, his ability to impact both sides of the game continues to make him one of the most unique athletes in sports.

The Dodgers head into October knowing Ohtani is already locked in at the plate. With the postseason around the corner, his bat might be the difference-maker in a wide-open playoff field.

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Los Angeles will start the postseason on Tuesday, as they host the Cincinnati Reds in a best of three series.

Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.