Huge Ohtani home run makes waves in Japan

The Tokyo Dome was treated to a taste of Shohei Ohtani as the three-time MVP starred in a comfortable win for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

Ohtani struggled with injury at points last season but still helped the Dodgers to a World Series title, the first of his career. Just four months on from surgery on his left shoulder Ohtani looks ready to dominate the MLB once again and hit an enormous two-run homer against the Yomiuri Giants on Saturday.

The 6ft 2in slugger connected with a slider from Shosei Togo and launched the ball 391 feet, sending it soaring over the fence. That HR sparked a huge roar among from the 42,000 fans in attendance and drew more praise from manager Dave Roberts.

“He always seems to rise to certain occasions, expectation to put on a performance,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Once again, he delivered.”

The Dodgers are in Japan ahead of the Tokyo Series, with two exhibition games coming before the start of the regular season fixtures with two games against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers managed a 5-1 win over the Yomiuri Giants but the most promising part of the performance for Dodgers fans will be the enduring brilliance of Ohtani.

Last season he became the first player in the history of the MLB to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. He is just one year into the record-breaking ten-year contract signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and looks set to lead the team to more championships during his time in LA, potentially becoming one of the all-time greats of baseball.

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