Shohei Ohtani hit his 40th home run and pitched eight sharp innings in the Los Angeles Angels' 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

The Japanese right-hander allowed six hits, struck out eight and walked none in a 90-pitch outing. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, his 40 home runs are the highest hit by a pitcher in a single season.

"I don't know what you can say about him that hasn't been said before," Joe Maddon said. "He's not going to win the Triple Crown, but he's in the discussion for everything else. If you are a Cy Young or MVP voter, your eyes have to be wide open at this point."

Ohtani became the first Major Leaguer to hit 40 homers in a season in which he pitched at least 15 games. The previous record was 29 by Babe Ruth in 1919.