Ohtani steals three bases in Dodgers win over Diamondbacks

On Monday night, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased his exceptional skills by stealing three bases in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, contributing to an 11-6 victory. This performance brought his season totals to 44 home runs and 46 stolen bases, placing him on the brink of becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season. With only 24 games left in the regular season, Ohtani is well-positioned to reach this milestone, having recently surpassed the previous record of 43-43 set by Alex Rodriguez in 1998. Ohtani's impressive feat also included joining the exclusive 40-40 club, which features notable players like Barry Bonds and Ronald Acuña Jr. His contributions were crucial in securing the Dodgers' 83rd win of the season, solidifying their position as the best team in MLB. Ohtani expressed the significance of the win, especially against a division rival, highlighting the importance of bouncing back after a previous loss in the series. During the game, Ohtani's aggressive base running was evident as he executed a leadoff single, followed by a walk and his first steal in the fourth inning. He then made two consecutive steals in the seventh, showcasing his speed and awareness on the field. His efforts culminated in a three-run inning that ultimately sealed the game for the Dodgers. Looking ahead, Ohtani is set to face his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, in a highly anticipated matchup. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the emotional aspect of the game for Ohtani but expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to the team's success.