Shohei Ohtani’s Triple Crown Bid Ends, Dodgers Clinch Victory Over Rockies

Shohei Ohtani fell tantalizingly short of making history as the first National League Triple Crown winner since 1937 in Sunday’s game. Despite this, his 59th stolen base of the season was instrumental in a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Colorado Rockies. The game marked the end of Charlie Blackmon’s illustrious career with the Rockies.

Ohtani’s Impressive Season Statistics

Ohtani wrapped up the regular season as the NL leader in home runs (54) and RBIs (130). However, his .310 batting average was outpaced by San Diego’s Luis Arráez, who ended with a .314 average. Ohtani’s 59th stolen base, which came during the Dodgers’ eighth-inning resurgence, might have been his 60th if not for a balk call on Saturday night.

The star player stated, “I didn’t think about the Triple Crown or how close I was to it today. Today, I was focused on having quality at-bats.” The last NL Triple Crown winner was Joe Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1937. In the AL, the feat was last accomplished by Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012.

Dave Roberts Lauds Ohtani’s Growth

Manager Dave Roberts commended Ohtani’s exceptional performance this season, saying, “There were ways early to get him out – crowding him down below, up – but now, his control of the strike zone has just gone to another level. And then the base-stealing, obviously. We’ve never seen that type of efficiency.” Ohtani’s record of 59 for 63 on stolen-base attempts, including 36 consecutive successful steals, is just two shy of the franchise record set by Davey Lopes in 1975.

Highlights of the Dodgers-Rockies Showdown

Chris Taylor evened the score in the eighth inning with his first home run since July 7. After Taylor’s homer, both Austin Barnes and Ohtani managed to secure singles. During a double steal, Barnes made it to third as Rockies reliever Seth Halvorsen got his cleat stuck in the dirt, resulting in a balk that brought Barnes home.

Evan Phillips clinched the win for the Dodgers, with Edgardo Henriquez securing his first career save to close out the ninth. The Dodgers finished the season with a record of 98-64, the best in the major leagues, breaking their streak of four consecutive full seasons of 100 or more wins.

A Fond Farewell to Charlie Blackmon

The game was also an emotional farewell for Rockies player Charlie Blackmon, who ended his 14th and final season with a hit in the third inning. Honored in a pregame ceremony, Blackmon retired as the franchise’s all-time leader in triples and second behind Hall of Famer Todd Helton in games played and runs scored.

Looking Forward to the Postseason

The Dodgers, as NL West champions, will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the postseason and start the Division Series on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Rockies will commence spring training in Arizona on February 21.