Baseball: Okamoto hits 33rd homer for Blue Jays in loss to Tigers

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kazuma Okamoto achieved his 33rd home run, contributing to a 6-5 loss against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. The Japanese slugger propelled the Blue Jays to a 5-4 advantage in the seventh inning with a powerful left-field blast. However, the Tigers responded by tying the game in the eighth inning and securing the winning run in the ninth, resulting in a dramatic comeback victory.

Okamoto expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I was glad I got a good pitch to hit and was able to capitalize on it. My mindset was simply to keep the rally going."

Born as a former Yomiuri Giants standout, Okamoto broke the Blue Jays rookie record by amassing 85 RBI on Sunday. This remarkable feat has now been surpassed by a new Major League Baseball record set by a Japanese right-handed hitter, surpassing Seiya Suzuki's previous mark of 32 home runs. Reflecting on his performance, Okamoto emphasized his continued commitment, stating, "There are still games left, and I want to keep working hard and continue improving."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched their 14th consecutive postseason berth, tying the MLB record, with a 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers, playing without injured two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who is sidelined by inflammation in his right biceps, anticipate the four-time MVP to resume batting practice the following day. Ohtani, who has been on the injured list since September 8, is expected to begin with tee work and could return as early as September 23, when the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres.