Japanese players dominated both home runs and RBIs. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) ranked first in home runs, and Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs) was named the National League 'Player of the Week'.

On the 28th (Korea Standard Time), Ohtani made a start as the designated hitter in a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, and launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

With two outs and a runner on first base in the fourth inning, leading 2-0, Ohtani entered his third at-bat and fired off a powerful home run. He crushed an 83.9 mph cutter on the outside from Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee. The ball had a high launch angle of 39 degrees, but Ohtani powered it out, sending it over the left-field wall at Progressive Field. Although it traveled only 362 feet (110 meters), it was hit at a speed of 104.5 mph (168.2 km/h).

With this home run, Ohtani recorded his third consecutive game with a home run, marking the 10th time in his career he achieved this feat. Additionally, he is tied for third place for the most home runs in a month in Dodgers history. He became the first player in Major League Baseball this season to reach 20 home runs. Currently, Ohtani is the sole leader in home runs in Major League Baseball. Furthermore, 'MLB.com' noted he is the third player in Dodgers history to hit 20 home runs within 55 games, following Gil Hodges (21 home runs in 1951) and Cody Bellinger (20 home runs in 2019).

The home run pace is significantly faster than last year. Last year, the team achieved 20 home runs in their 75th game, while this year, they reached 20 home runs in just their 55th game. This marks a remarkable pace, 20 games faster. Currently, it is feasible to aim for 60 home runs.

Prior to Ohtani's home run, another Japanese batter, Suzuki, was named the National League 'Player of the Week'. From the 20th to the 26th, Suzuki excelled with a batting average of .480 (12 hits in 25 at-bats), 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.552. Suzuki's performance is not limited to just this week; throughout the season, he has played a crucial role for the Cubs. In 51 games this season, he has a batting average of .272 (56 hits in 206 at-bats), 14 home runs, and 50 RBIs with an OPS of .898. He recorded a personal season-high of 21 home runs last year, and he is still just 7 home runs short of that mark before the halfway point of the season. There is still potential for more.

Currently, Ohtani and Suzuki are leading the league in batting. Japanese batters appear to be suppressing the overwhelming pace of Aaron Judge (New York Yankees). Ohtani has established himself as the home run leader in Major League Baseball with his first 20 home runs. In terms of RBIs, Suzuki currently ranks first overall in Major League Baseball. The second place belongs to his teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has 49 RBIs. After last season, Suzuki was one of the trade candidates for the Cubs. The Cubs reorganized their outfield positions and brought Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, which limited Suzuki's position. The only opportunity left for him to play was as a designated hitter. However, since solidifying his role as a designated hitter, Suzuki is heading towards his best season in his fourth year in Major League Baseball.

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