Shohei Ohtani sets new Asian player record with 53 consecutive games reaching base, Roberts: This showcases his talent.

In the April 22 away game against the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers Japanese star Shohei Ohtani hit an infield single toward shortstop in the seventh inning, achieving a cross-season streak of reaching base in 53 consecutive games. This not only tied the second-longest streak in team history but also became a new benchmark for consecutive games reaching base among Asian players. After the game, manager Dave Roberts praised: "This fully demonstrates his talent."

With two outs and a runner on first in the seventh inning, while the team trailed 1-3, Ohtani faced the Giants' third left-handed pitcher Erik Miller. After a full count, he swung at a high fastball and sprinted hard to secure an infield single, extending his consecutive games reaching base streak to 53. This record tied Shawn Green's second-longest team streak from 2000 and surpassed Shin-Soo Choo's 52-game streak from 2018, setting a new longest streak for Asian players.

After the game, Roberts stated: "This completely illustrates his talent. He sprinted hard for that infield single to keep the offense going, these are all part of his value. Shawn also achieved a very great consecutive streak, matching or surpassing it is certainly not easy."

Roberts added: "Moreover, he is actually not in his best form right now, his swing isn't completely smooth yet, but even so he continues to contribute to the team and keeps reaching base. This record itself speaks volumes. His full-speed sprinting attitude is also commendable."

It is worth noting that during that plate appearance, the fourth pitch, an outside slider, was called a strike. Ohtani disputed it and initiated a challenge using the ABS automatic strike zone system. Although the call was not overturned, his strong desire to win was clearly evident.

Roberts commented on this: "That was the intent to get on base. I think challenging at that moment was the right choice. Although the result wasn't favorable, it was a proactive move. This is also a tactical application; he is driven by victory. Getting on base helps the team win."