LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani hit a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th home run after earlier stealing his 40th base, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Ohtani became the fastest player in major league history and sixth ever to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a season. He's also the first Dodger to do so.
He broke the record held by Alfonso Soriano, who reached the mark in Game 148 for the Washington Nationals in 2006. Ohtani did it in his 126th game and the Dodgers' 129th of the season.
''He's definitely known for the dramatics and this is something I'll remember for a long time,'' Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. ''What a way to cap off a great night.''
The Japanese superstar came out of the dugout to wave at 45,556 fans who gave him a standing ovation. His teammates showered Ohtani with water on the field.
Will Smith was hit by Manuel Rodriguez (2-3) leading off the ninth and Tommy Edman followed with a single. Smith and Edman moved up on Miguel Rojas' sacrifice. Colin Poche came in and walked Muncy to set up Ohtani's 389-foot slam to center.
''He's just dangerous any time he puts that uniform on,'' Roberts said.
Center fielder Jose Siri gave chase and the home run ball bounced back onto the field. He threw it back into the stands, leaving Ohtani without the keepsake, according to Ohtani's interpreter Will Ireton.
