Ohtani hits two home runs to top American League

Japanese two-way baseball star Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels hit two home runs on Monday, putting himself at the top of the American League for the number of homers.

Ohtani was in the starting lineup as designated hitter against the Texas Rangers, who now lead the AL West.

The game in Arlington, Texas, was the first of a four-game series.

Ohtani hit his season's 19th home run in his fourth at-bat in the top of the seventh, with the Angels behind by one run. This tied the scores 5-5, and the game went into extra innings.

Ohtani hit his double-scoring 20th homer in the 12th inning. He watched where the ball was going, then spread his arms in joy as he ran the bases.

Ohtani has belted 20 homers for the fourth time, and three seasons in a row.

He now leads Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the number of home runs in the American League.

The Angels won the game 9-6.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230613_23/