Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Joins 20 Home Run & 100 Strikeout Club For 3rd Straight Season

Scott Geirman
3 Min Read
Jun 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a two run go ahead home run during the twelfth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Texas Rangers in a 9-6, comeback victory, capped off with an incredible performance from Shohei Ohtani.

The two-way star was able to find a few barrels, running into a fastball in the top of the seventh inning, tying the game at five a piece. Then again in the top of the 12th inning when he hammered a fastball over the left-field wall.

His second blast provided the Angels with enough breathing room before adding two more, cementing a victory over a division opponent. The second blast gave him 20 homers on the season.

Ohtani has once again joined a short list of players, just himself, to accomplish an extremely rare feat by becoming the only player to hit 20 or more home runs and log 100 strikeouts as a pitcher.

Since 2021, Ohtani’s logged 15 homers of at least 114 mph exit velocity, which is tied with the American League in homers on the season. On the mound, he has proven to be among the game’s elite arms.

He continues to dazzle with his tenacity, yearning to be great, and his raw ability at the plate and on the mound are a sight that is must-see television.

Shohei Ohtani hasn’t felt similar to ‘last year on the mound’

Seeing as he’s still the anchor of the Angels’ pitching staff, Ohtani holds a 3.32 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts in 76 innings. At the plate, he’s posted a .955 OPS and is on pace with his historic 2021 season.

So far, he’s slugged 20 home runs, driven in 50, scored 42 runs and holds a 158 wRC+.

But as he’s graded in the 90th percentile in whiff rate, he appears to be on his game, but the command is one thing he hasn’t honed in on. That difference from last year is enough to see his lack of chase rate impact his actual performance.

His stuff being as good as it gets, coupled with sequencing, has provided him with enough room for error to remain a highly effective pitcher still.

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Scott Geirman is a journalist from Simi Valley, California, currently working as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and Angels Nation. After working as the Sports Editor for the Moorpark College newspaper, he graduated from Cal State University, Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in political science. Scott has a passion for reading, writing, baseball, family, Mookie Betts, and being a father to his beautiful daughter. He is currently pursuing his career in the sports media industry.
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