Shohei Ohtani powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 17, 2026, hitting two home runs and totaling four hits with three RBIs [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Ohtani’s first home run was a solo shot in the fifth inning off Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. He followed with a 452-foot two-run homer in the sixth inning, marking the longest homer of the game for him [2, 3, 5]. The 29 home runs Ohtani has hit this season now surpass Munetaka Murakami’s record for the most by a Japanese player in a single MLB season [3, 4, 5]. His batting average rose to .295 after the game [3, 5].

Dodgers teammate Max Muncy also delivered power with a 461-foot 3-run homer, his 25th home run of the season [2, 4]. Starting pitcher Blake Snell, returning from injury, earned his first win of the season by pitching six innings and allowing only one run [2, 4, 5].

Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 4 due to left knee inflammation but resumed bullpen sessions mid-August. On August 15, he threw 34 bullpen pitches as part of his recovery [1, 5]. Ohtani said, "I’m cautiously progressing step by step and hope to return as soon as possible" and added, "Tomorrow I will observe how I feel; if good, I hope to continue bullpen sessions. I want to take it one step at a time" [1, 5].

Regarding postseason plans, Ohtani said he has considered starting as a pitcher but acknowledged the Dodgers have multiple starters and postseason rotation spots beyond third starter remain undecided [5].

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s hitting, saying, "When he can use the whole field like tonight, there is no hitter on this planet better than him" [5].

Despite the strong offensive showing, relief pitcher Edwin Díaz struggled in the ninth inning, giving up three runs and raising his ERA to 11.85 [2, 4].

The Dodgers ended a two-game losing streak with the win and maintain a strong hold atop the National League West with 75 wins, ahead of the San Diego Padres’ 67 [4].

Ohtani’s 29 home runs place him on pace to challenge a record of six consecutive 30-plus home run seasons. He has accumulated 138 home runs in his first three seasons with the Dodgers, ranking fourth among MLB players who have changed teams, behind McGwire, A-Rod, and Babe Ruth [3, 4, 5].