Thu Sep 12 07:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Ohtani Hits 47th Homer, Steals 48th Base, Closes in on Historic 50-50 Season
**Los Angeles, CA -** Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani continued his historic season on Wednesday, hitting his 47th home run and stealing his 48th base in a 10-8 victory over the Chicago Cubs. With these milestones, Ohtani inches closer to becoming the first Major League Baseball player to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
The two-time unanimous American League MVP ignited a four-homer outburst in the first inning, leading off with a 405-foot line drive to center field. “We got off to a bad start by giving up runs in the first inning, so I wanted to answer right away and get things back on track,” Ohtani said. He finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs, also stealing second base in the second inning.
The Dodgers’ offense exploded, with Tommy Edman hitting two home runs, including a two-run shot in the eighth inning that extended their lead to 10-7. The team’s first-inning onslaught included home runs from Will Smith and Max Muncy, following Ohtani’s lead.
The Cubs, however, fought back with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from former Dodger Cody Bellinger. Seiya Suzuki, who hit his 20th homer of the season, contributed to the Cubs’ rally. Despite his strong performance, Suzuki was thrown out attempting to steal second base in the ninth inning.
Gavin Lux’s go-ahead single in the seventh inning set the stage for Edman’s seventh home run of the game in the eighth, sealing the victory for the Dodgers.
Ohtani’s previous career high of 46 home runs came in 2021, his first MVP season. With his continued dominance on both the mound and at the plate, the baseball world eagerly awaits if he can achieve the unprecedented 50-50 feat.
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