Shohei Ohtani hits two home runs as Dodgers rout Colorado Rockies
Shohei Ohtani hit two home runs and offered a positive update on his injured knee as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured an 11-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies in Denver.
The Japanese superstar finished the game with four hits from five at-bats, recording the 25th multi-homer game of his illustrious career.
Max Muncy also contributed a three-run blast as the visitors finally broke out of a recent offensive slump at the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Knee recovery progressing well
Alongside his dominant display at the plate, the two-way phenomenon revealed his left knee responded well following a recent bullpen pitching session.
He has not pitched in a competitive game since 3 July due to ongoing irritation, though another throwing session is scheduled for Tuesday.
“That’s the hope, and that’s the reason why we’ve been pretty careful in the rehab process,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.
“That’s the ideal outcome — to make sure that I come back as soon as possible.”
Before the injury setback, the 30-year-old had amassed an 8-2 record on the mound this season, boasting a stellar 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts across 85 and two-thirds innings.
Dodgers find form at Coors Field
Los Angeles desperately needed an offensive spark, having dropped 11 of their previous 16 games while averaging just 3.4 runs per contest.
Their 11-run haul against Colorado marked their highest scoring output since defeating the San Diego Padres in early July.
Ohtani has historically thrived in the Mile High City, extending his hitting streak at Coors Field to 21 consecutive games.
During that impressive run, the designated hitter has amassed nine home runs and 24 runs batted in with a staggering .413 batting average.
“Just trying to feel good at the plate, just making sure that I’m not too tense,” explained the former American League MVP.
“Just really making sure that I’m contact-oriented, so those are the things that I really focus on here at the field.”
Manager Dave Roberts praised his star player’s exceptional pitch selection and ability to drive the ball to all parts of the park.
“When he does that, there’s nobody better on the planet,” Roberts said.
Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages also delivered three hits apiece as the Dodgers’ heavily-backed lineup finally clicked into gear.