Ohtani Hits Two HRs, Skubal Sets Record as Postseason Begins
Shohei Ohtani made history and Tarik Skubal set a record as the postseason got underway with a bang. Ohtani hit two home runs, including a 454-foot monster, while Skubal struck out 14 batters in their respective Wild Card Series games.
In the National League, Ohtani powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 10-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The two-way star hit his first home run off a 100.4 mph fastball, the quickest pitch he's ever hit for a home run. His second blast was a mammoth 454-foot shot, breaking the Dodgers' postseason record for the longest home run. Ohtani, who hit a career-high 55 home runs in the regular season, is prepared to pitch in any situation in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, in the American League, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers set a historic record with 14 strikeouts in Game 1 against the Cleveland Guardians. Skubal tied a Tigers' postseason record and helped his team gain an early advantage, putting them one win away from avenging last year's defeat. The Tigers' victory, coupled with the Boston Red Sox's 3-1 win over the New York Yankees, sets the stage for the next round of the playoffs.
In other Wild Card Series games, the Chicago Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1.
Ohtani's impressive display at the plate and Skubal's record-breaking performance have set the tone for the postseason. Both players have given their teams a significant boost, with Ohtani's Dodgers and Skubal's Tigers now one win away from advancing. The stage is set for more exciting action in the coming days.
