The Los Angeles Angels Shohei Ohtani’s legendary season continued to attain new heights on Wednesday. As a hitter, he broke the record of Hideki Matsui for the most number of home runs by a player from Japan in a season of major league.
Shohei Ohtani Is Already In The All-Star Team
Shohei Ohtani broke the record that Matsui had taken a full season to post, before the break for All-Star week. The 32nd of the season was a solo homer to the right in the 5th as his team won 5-4 against the Red Sox. Matsui’s record was set in 2004 while playing for the Yankees.
In the post-game interview, Shohei Ohtani said that Matsui was someone he had seen while growing up as a child. So he considers it a massive honor to be able to emulate one of his idol’s achievements. On the day, Ohtani had 2 runs in 4 at-bats.
Matsui also reacted to the moment via the Angels following Shohei Ohtani breaking his mark. He praised the achievement and called it a minor milestone for the hitter that is Shohei. He said that while playing for the majors, people considered him a hitter of long balls. But he considers Ohtani to be the real one.
Moreover, Matsui also pointed out Shohei Ohtani’s excellent pitching. He is different from a convention player in the major league, and eagerly awaits Ohtani’s next move.
On the previous night, Ohtani had pitched for seven innings as the Angels defeated Boston. He improved to a pitching record of 4 wins and 1 loss in the first start since being the first All-star selection as a hitter and a player. This was Ohtani’s 12th homer run in the last 20 games. He also holds the home run franchise record for the Angels.
