Watch: Shohei Ohtani edges closer to unprecedented milestone with career-high 47th home run

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers – Source: Imagn

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani continues his march towards an unprecedented MLB record. The Japanese two-way phenom edged closer to becoming the first player to the 50-50 mark after smashing a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

Ohtani, who has made the leadoff spot his own after Mookie Betts’ injury early in the season, added a solo home run in his first at-bat to make it 47 home runs for the season. He had 47 stolen bases to his name heading into Wednesday’s clash.

The solo shot also set a new career-high for the two-time MVP, eclipsing his record of 46 home runs in his first MVP-winning campaign in 2021 for the Los Angeles Angels.

With Chicago registering back-to-back wins the Dodgers intended to avoid a series sweep heading into Wednesday’s series finale. However, they were pegged back by a two-run inning in the top of the first.

But the hosts set Dodger Stadium alight as Shohei Ohtani’s leadoff home run instigated a five-run surge in the bottom of the first.

Shohei Ohtani sparks historic offensive surge for Dodgers

The Dodgers achieved an impressive feat during the first inning of the series finale as Shohei Ohtani’s home run was followed by three home runs as Tommy Edman, Will Smith and Max Muncy went back-to-back-to-back.

The hosts recorded four home runs in the first inning for the first time in franchise history and the 13th time in MLB history. The St. Louis Cardinals last achieved this feat in 2022 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Meanwhile, Ohtani added a 48th stolen bases in the second inning to take another step toward the elusive 50-50 club.

With 16 games left in the regular season, the Japanese star is on pace to become the first Dodgers player to reach the 50-50 club while also getting closer to AL MVP contender Aaron Judge’s MLB-leading home run tally.