Shohei Ohtani couldn’t join the Home Run Derby fun this week, but he didn’t leave Texas without making a splash. During the third inning of MLB’s 94th All-Star Game at Globe Life Field, Ohtani thrilled the crowd of 39,343 by launching a jaw-dropping, 400-foot homer halfway up the right-field stands. His epic blast contributed to the American League’s 5-3 victory over the National League.
“At this point, it’s normal for him,” said teammate Teoscar Hernández with a grin. “It’s Shohei being Shohei.”
What records did Shohei Ohtani create at MLB All-Star 2024?
Was there ever a doubt that Shohei Ohtani, the $700 million superstar, would make an impact in the All-Star Game?
In just two at-bats, Ohtani smashed a Tanner Houck splitter 400 feet into the right-field bleachers at Globe Life Park for a three-run homer, thrilling the crowd. “I haven’t really hit well during the All-Star Game,” Ohtani admitted through an interpreter, noting his previous 1-for-4 record in Midsummer Classics. “I was just relieved that I put a ball in play.”
In his fourth All-Star appearance, Ohtani’s performance shone. After a first-inning walk, he blasted a hanging Houck splitter in the third inning for a 2-0 lead, becoming the first Dodger to homer in the event since Mike Piazza in 1996.
However, not everything went perfectly for Ohtani. His National League team lost 5-3, potentially costing him the MVP, and his final at-bat against A’s closer Mason Miller saw him miss a 100.6 mph and a 101.8 mph fastball, followed by a hard slider.
Meanwhile, the American League continued their dominance with a 5-3 victory, marking their tenth win in the last eleven All-Star Games. Speedy Jarren Duran made a splash in his All-Star debut, hitting a tiebreaking two-run homer and winning the MVP trophy named after Red Sox legend Ted Williams.
Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes threw a hitless first inning for the NL, hitting 100 mph twice. Ohtani’s third-inning blast gave the NL a 3-0 lead, but it wasn’t enough. Oakland’s Mason Miller, throwing a record-breaking 103.6 mph fastball, secured the win, and Cleveland’s closer Emmanuel Clase sealed the game with two strikeouts in the ninth.
Skenes, just 22 and with only 11 major league games under his belt since being drafted first overall last July, became the first rookie starter since 1995 and the least experienced player to make an All-Star squad. He threw a hitless first inning, walking Soto with two outs before Yankees’ Aaron Judge grounded into a forceout.
