While Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) has revved up the home run machine once again, his last at-bat was more important to his manager. Here’s why.
Ohtani went 1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI, one run scored, one walk and one run batted in as the Angels’ No. 3 designated hitter in their 2023 Major League Baseball home game against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA.토토사이트
Ohtani was silent for two consecutive games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 21-22, ending his 15-game hitting streak. However, he rebounded with a four-game hitting streak, starting on the 24th against the Colorado Rockies. On the 27th, he hit his 26th home run of the season in three games to move into sole possession of first place in the major league home run lead.
After striking out in his first at-bat, Ohtani swung at an 88.5 mph slider that dug into the strike zone on the body of a five-pitch at-bat from starter Dylan Seager in the bottom of the fourth inning with his team trailing 1-0. Ohtani’s shot traveled 446 feet (136 meters) at a whopping 113 mph (181.9 km/h) and cleared the right field fence.
With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Ohtani struck out, setting the stage for the game-winning hit in his final at-bat. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, the White Sox made a pitching change. Ohtani faced new pitcher Aaron Bummer and drew a full-count walk to put his team in scoring position. He fought off a low 82.1 mph sweeper.
The Angels then got a double steal, put runners on second and third with no outs, and Mike Trout came home on a wild pitch by Bummer to seal the win.
After the game, manager Phil Nevin heaped praise on Ohtani’s final at-bat, saying, “That was a big at-bat in the ninth. It’s not a pitch you can hold on to. He got on base and used his quick feet well. He’s an all-around five-tool player who can make a difference in a game even when he’s not hitting well.”