In the Angels’ game against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium, Ohtani struck out his 502nd career batter, besting the legendary Ruth, who had 501 career strikeouts as a pitcher. Ohtani struck out Mauricio Dubon in the first inning and Jeremy Peña in the second to reach 502. He added his 503rd and 504th strikeouts as well, whiffing Corey Julks and Jake Meyers in the second inning.
Ohtani has the most pitching strikeouts among players to also hit at least 100 career home runs.
Ohtani initially joined Ruth’s milestone of at least 500 pitching strikeouts and 100-plus home runs hit May 3 during the Angels’ game at St. Louis.
Ruth finished his career with 501 career pitching strikeouts — according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the statistics entity that Major League Baseball follows — and 714 home runs. Different statistical websites list Ruth as having just 488 career strikeouts.
The Angels vs. Astros game was scoreless in the third inning when this story was first published.