Ohtani’s historic run-scoring pace pushes Dodgers toward repeat title.
Ohtani Keeps Making History originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming to repeat as World Series champions. As mid-August rolls in, they remain on top of the National League West, fueled by a lineup that keeps pounding opposing pitchers.
Shohei Ohtani continues to find new ways to make baseball history. This time, it’s not about his pitching, even though he’s still striking out hitters on the mound. Instead, it’s about how often he’s crossing home plate.
According to OptaStats, Ohtani has scored 110 runs this season, while no other National League player has more than 80. That gap of at least 30 runs between first and second place hasn’t happened in the NL since 1932, when Chuck Klein’s lead peaked at 37 runs.
Shohei Ohtani has scored 110 runs this year. No one else in the NL has more than 80.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 10, 2025
This is the first time an NL player has had at least 30 more runs than any other player in the Senior Circuit at the end of any given day since 1932, when Chuck Klein led by as many as 37 runs. pic.twitter.com/t5ibwZv65J
Ohtani's Impressive 2025 Season
The Dodgers slugger has played 115 games and is averaging nearly one run per game. Batting leadoff for one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball certainly helps, as does leading the league in plate appearances.
Ohtani also tops the NL in slugging percentage at .614 and OPS at .999. Last year, he set a career high with 134 runs scored, leading the league while driving in 130 runs. This season, his RBI pace is lower, but he’s still sitting at 40 home runs and 76 RBIs.
Saturday's History Against Toronto
Ohtani added another milestone on Saturday with a 417-foot homer to center field that gave Los Angeles a three-run lead. It was his 40th home run of the year and the fourth time in his career he has reached the 40-homer mark.
He’s also the third player to record multiple 40+ home run seasons in both the American League and National League. The only others to do it are Jim Thome and Mark McGwire.
Building Strength on the Mound
Ohtani is coming off a start that featured eight strikeouts, proving his two-way dominance is still alive and well. Performances like this are rare, and baseball hasn’t seen a run-scoring lead like his in more than 90 years.
Related: MLB Congratulates Shohei Ohtani After Reaching Career Milestone vs. Cardinals
Related: New Balance’s Second Drop in the Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection Is Finally on Sale
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
