Shohei “Idoryu” Ohtani (29, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) performed on both sides of the plate to lead his team to a winning series.
Ohtani batted second and started the series against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, USA, on 15 May. On the mound, he pitched six innings of six-hit, one-run, three-strikeout, two-run quality ball to earn his sixth win in five games. At the plate, he went 1-for-2 with a double, home run, two RBIs, one run scored and two walks, pushing his season average into the triple digits (.301) and his OPS up to 1.002.
Ohtani, who has struggled with his command in recent outings, opted to reduce his sweepers today, which resulted in fewer strikeouts (three) but also a solid outing with only one walk.
Ohtani’s biggest crisis came in the third inning. With a 1-0 lead, he gave up back-to-back singles to tie the game. After settling down, Ohtani threw 99 pitches through the sixth inning to complete his quality start without any major issues.
The offence responded to Ohtani’s performance. Mickey Moniak, who had tied the game in the fourth, hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to give Ohtani the win 먹튀검증.
In the eighth inning, Ohtani’s bat was on fire. With the Angels leading 3-2 in the top of the eighth, Ohtani stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and took a first-pitch slider from Texas pitcher Brock Burke for a two-run shot. It was a huge home run, travelling 443 feet (about 135 metres) with a bat speed of 109.4 miles per hour (176.1 kilometres per hour) and clearing the centre field fence.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Angels had the bases loaded after Carlos Estevez walked three straight batters, but reliever Jacob Webb allowed just one run and struck out three, giving the Angels a 5-3 victory. With the win, the Angels took the four-game series against Texas, going 3-1.
With his 22nd home run, Ohtani moved into a tie for first place in the majors with National League home run leader Pete Alonso (New York Mets). In the American League home run race, he is now three behind Aaron Judge (New York Yankees, 19).