Dodgers Star Criticizes Statcast Error on Ohtani’s Home Run Distance
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their spot in the World Series by sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers. This triumph was significantly marked by an outstanding performance from Shohei Ohtani, who served as both the starting pitcher and leadoff batter in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Performance
Ohtani began the game by striking out three consecutive batters after issuing a walk to the first player he faced. Transitioning from pitching to batting, he launched a remarkable home run of 446 feet on his sixth pitch.
Controversial Home Run Distance
- Ohtani struck out three batters and recorded a total of 10 strikeouts over six scoreless innings.
- He hit a second home run that Statcast measured at 469 feet, yet teammate Max Muncy disputed this measurement.
- Muncy asserted that the ball actually traveled at least 500 feet, calling it the farthest ball he had ever seen hit.
- For context, Ohtani’s first home run had an exit velocity of 116.5 mph, and the second one reached 116.9 mph.
Muncy remarked, “The first home run, I didn’t think he could top that, then he hits one literally out of the stadium.” According to Muncy, the baseball had considerable speed and altitude, challenging Statcast’s accuracy in measuring long-distance hits.
Ohtani Continues His Dominance
Ohtani didn’t stop there. He hit a third home run in the seventh inning that traveled 427 feet. His extraordinary feat has only solidified his status as a generational talent within Major League Baseball.
Conclusion
Regardless of the true distance of his home runs, Ohtani’s performance was pivotal in his team’s journey back to the World Series. His remarkable abilities both on the mound and at the plate continue to astound fans and players alike.
