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Ohtani’s ERA Falls to 0.74, Third-Lowest Ever

6/5/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ohtani Sets ERA

On June 3, 2026, Shohei Ohtani threw six shutout innings versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, lowering his ERA to 0.74, the third-lowest ever behind Jacob deGrom (0.56) and Juan Marichal (0.00).
He allowed two hits, struck out six and improved to a 6-2 record in 61 innings.
His season line is .301/.420/.521 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs while his last 13 games yielded a .400/.492/.680 slash line with three homers and eight RBIs.

Summary

Ohtani Sets Record

Shohei Ohtani became the first pitcher to reach base five times and allow fewer than five base runners, a feat matched only twice with Mel Stottlemyre, potentially boosting his Cy Young case.
Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sanchez ended a 50.2-inning scoreless streak, the third-longest since 1920, and still earned the win.
Chase Burns surrendered a first-inning homer, then delivered five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 2.05.

Summary

Dodgers Surge

The Dodgers improved to a 40-22 record, winning 16 of their last 20 games.
Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker hit a two-run, 424-foot homer to open scoring, with Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and Dodgers infielder Max Muncy adding singles.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani displayed better command, walking only once after eight batters in his three prior starts.

Summary

Ohtani Leadoff

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts started Shohei Ohtani leadoff, a rarity for a pitcher.
AP-Yonhap News highlighted the game, reflecting Shohei Ohtani’s cross-Asian appeal.
In the ninth inning Shohei Ohtani singled, loading the bases with one out as the Dodgers kept the lead.
Shohei Ohtani’s 0.74 ERA leaves him one inning short of qualifying for the MLB ERA leaderboard.
The game was on June 3 in Phoenix, Korean reports dating it June 4.

History

Historical Context

In 1968, Bob Gibson posted a 1.12 ERA, the lowest in the live-ball era, leading the “Year of the Pitcher” and prompting MLB to lower the mound from 15 to 10 inches for 1969. Nearly six decades later, Shohei Ohtani recorded a 0.74 ERA in June 2026, echoing Gibson’s dominance and reviving debate over pitcher-friendly rules.

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Ohtani Sets ERA

On June 3, 2026, Shohei Ohtani threw six shutout innings versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, lowering his ERA to 0.74, the third-lowest ever behind Jacob deGrom (0.56) and Juan Marichal (0.00).
He allowed two hits, struck out six and improved to a 6-2 record in 61 innings.
His season line is .301/.420/.521 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs while his last 13 games yielded a .400/.492/.680 slash line with three homers and eight RBIs.

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