Shohei “Idoryu” Ohtani (29-LA Angels) is taking the league by storm.

Ohtani started as the team’s No. 2 designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs in the Angels’ 2023 Major League Baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on March 13.

Ohtani’s home run on this day was nutritious. Stepping to the plate with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning with his team trailing 메이저사이트 4-5, Ohtani took a low sinker from Texas’ Grant Anderson for a mid-month solo home run. It tied the game in dramatic fashion.

It didn’t end there. With the game still in doubt and heading into extra innings, Ohtani took advantage of a Cole Lagans fastball in the top of the 12th inning and blasted a two-run home run over the left field fence. It effectively ended the game.

Ohtani tied Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) for the AL home run lead with his 19th of the season, then took over the AL lead with his 20th.

It’s not just the home run leader. The batting title and RBI title are also within reach.

With this game, Ohtani is now batting .291. That’s 11th in the American League. He’s still behind the American League leader, Bo Bissett (Toronto), at .317, but at his current pace, he could close the gap.

In the RBI category, Ohtani has 50 RBIs. That’s fifth in the American League. First is Jordan Alvarez (Houston) with 55 RBIs. With four RBIs on the day, he’s well within striking distance.

Japanese media outlet Sponichi Annex said, “He could become the first Japanese player to win the home run title, or even the triple crown. Ohtani’s bat is full of exciting dreams,” said the outlet.