LOS ANGELES, Jul 23 (Kyodo/APP): Shohei Ohtani homered for the fourth straight game in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 10-7 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, making him the first Japanese player to hit a home run in four consecutive MLB games.
Ohtani launched his 36th home run of the season to left field with one runner on in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium, tying him for the National League lead with Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The three-time MVP, however, was hitless in his previous four at-bats, striking out twice.
The NL West-leading Dodgers have lost 11 of the last 14 games.
Japanese teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto started on the mound and got a no-decision after allowing three runs, one earned, and five hits in five innings. The right-hander struck out eight and walked one.
The game was tied at 3 after five innings. The Twins extended their lead by scoring three runs each in the sixth and seventh innings.
Christian Vazquez went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the Minnesota offense.