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MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani didn’t waste any time to be on the run on Wednesday, stealing his 49th base of the season in the first inning in the Dodgers’ 8-4 win over the Marlins at loanDepot park.
Ohtani singled off left-hander Ryan Weathers in his first at-bat. He then took off for second base on the first pitch to Mookie Betts, sliding in safely. With the 49th stolen base, Ohtani matched Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for the second-most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player in Major League history.
Ichiro Suzuki holds the record for a Japanese player with 56 stolen bases in 2001.
“I was hoping for a bad throw, because a good throw gets him,” Roberts said with a smile. “He had a decent jump, but because of his speed, [catcher Nick] Fortes had to hurry the throw. He was safe, and I hope he breaks it either tomorrow or at home.”
Ohtani continues to set records, becoming the first player in Major League history with at least 48 homers and 49 stolen bases in a single season. He’s now two homers and one stolen base shy of becoming the only player to hit the 50-50 mark.
“What a season,” Roberts said. “It is remarkable that he can hit as a DH, but what’s more remarkable is that he keeps his legs loose to be able to steal. It’s a skill, it’s a talent and how he does it, I’m beside myself. It’s pretty impressive.”
