### Shohei Ohtani Shatters Dodgers Franchise Record with Historic Leadoff Home Run In a remarkable display of power, Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter and pitcher, made history on July 9, 2025, by breaking the franchise record for home runs before the All-Star break. Ohtani's 431-foot leadoff home run against the Milwaukee Brewers marked his 31st home run of the season, surpassing the previous record of 30 set by Cody Bellinger in 2019. This achievement underscores Ohtani's exceptional talent and solidifies his status as one of baseball's elite players, as he continues to dominate both at the plate and on the mound [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/41e3a480/shohei-ohtani-breaks-dodgers-franchise-record-with-leadoff-home-run-against-brewers]. ### Breakdown of Recent MLB Highlights 1. **Ohtani's Record-Breaking Performance** - Ohtani hit his 31st home run on an 0–2 count against Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers, setting a new Dodgers franchise record for home runs before the All-Star break [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/41e3a480/shohei-ohtani-breaks-dodgers-franchise-record-with-leadoff-home-run-against-brewers]. - This achievement adds to Ohtani's impressive season, where he has consistently performed at a high level, including reaching 30 home runs for the fifth consecutive season [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/45639150/shohei-ohtani-hits-30th-home-run-all-star-break-tying-cody-bellinger-dodgers-record]. 2. **Vinnie Pasquantino's Stellar Contributions** - Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals has also been making headlines, notably hitting two home runs and driving in six RBIs in a recent game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, leading the Royals to a 9-3 victory [https://apnews.com/article/royals-diamondbacks-score-3c92979ef56dd8b472d3e257ea41c33f]. - His performance included a crucial two-run single that helped the Royals secure a win against the Seattle Mariners, showcasing his growing impact on the team [https://www.startribune.com/vinnie-pasquantino-has-2-hrs-career-high-6-rbis-to-lift-royals-over-diamondbacks-9-3/601392274]. 3. **Dodgers' Recent Games and Performance** - The Dodgers have been on a winning streak, with Ohtani contributing significantly to their success. They recently defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-1, where Ohtani hit his 30th home run of the season [https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-slugs-nl-leading-30th-hr-dodgers-top-white-sox-2025-07-02]. - The team has shown resilience, bouncing back from a tough loss to the Royals, where they ended an 11-game home losing streak [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/pasquantino-drives-in-five-as-royals-beat-dodgers-20399164.php]. ### Key Statistics and Achievements - **Shohei Ohtani's Season Stats:** - 31 home runs before the All-Star break, breaking the Dodgers' franchise record. - Achieved 30 home runs for five consecutive seasons, a rare feat in MLB history [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/45639150/shohei-ohtani-hits-30th-home-run-all-star-break-tying-cody-bellinger-dodgers-record]. - **Vinnie Pasquantino's Recent Performance:** - Two home runs and six RBIs in a single game against the Diamondbacks. - Key contributions in multiple games, including a decisive two-run single against the Mariners [https://www.startribune.com/vinnie-pasquantino-has-2-hrs-career-high-6-rbis-to-lift-royals-over-diamondbacks-9-3/601392274]. ### Conclusion: A Season of Milestones and Emerging Stars **In summary, the recent performances of Shohei Ohtani and Vinnie Pasquantino highlight a thrilling season in Major League Baseball.** 1. **Ohtani's Record-Breaking Home Run**: Ohtani's achievement of 31 home runs before the All-Star break sets a new standard for the Dodgers and showcases his elite status in the league [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/41e3a480/shohei-ohtani-breaks-dodgers-franchise-record-with-leadoff-home-run-against-brewers]. 2. **Pasquantino's Rising Star**: Pasquantino's impactful performances are crucial for the Royals, indicating his potential as a key player moving forward [https://apnews.com/article/royals-diamondbacks-score-3c92979ef56dd8b472d3e257ea41c33f]. 3. **Dodgers' Competitive Edge**: The Dodgers continue to demonstrate their strength in the league, with Ohtani leading the charge as they aim for postseason success [https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-slugs-nl-leading-30th-hr-dodgers-top-white-sox-2025-07-02]. This season promises to be one of excitement and record-breaking performances as these players continue to shine on the field.