Ohtani Sets Dodgers Home Run Record, Shines on Mound

Shohei Ohtani broke the Los Angeles Dodgers' franchise record for most home runs before the MLB All-Star break with his 31st, surpassing Cody Bellinger and trailing only Duke Snider and Gary Sheffield for most homers in the team's first 93 games. On his 31st birthday, Ohtani also pitched two scoreless innings against the Houston Astros, striking out three and reaching 101 mph on the radar gun, helping the Dodgers recover from an 18-1 loss. He further highlighted his offensive dominance with a two-home-run game in an 8-5 comeback win over the New York Yankees, extending his MLB-leading home run total. Ohtani showed rare frustration toward umpire Sean Barber after a disputed strike call, a notable departure from his usual composure. Despite some slumps and team struggles, Ohtani remains a pivotal two-way player, drawing significant fan and media attention. His continued excellence is energizing the Dodgers as they navigate a challenging part of the season.