▲ Shohei Ohtani ⓒ Yonhap News/AP ▲ Shohei Ohtani ⓒ Yonhap News/AP
[스포티비뉴스=최민우 기자] Shohei Otani (30, LA Dodgers), who plays only as a hitter, shows his incredible strength. Most of the innings scores were posted in the top tier.
Ohtani started as the No. 2 designated hitter in the 2024 Major League Baseball away game against the Washington Nationals held at Nationals Park in Washington, DC on the 25th (Korea time). On this day, he recorded 3 hits, 2 RBI, and 2 runs in 6 at-bats. Ohtani’s season performance also improved. He recorded a batting average of 0.371, an on-base percentage of 0.433, a slugging percentage of 0.695, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 1.128.
Thanks to Ohtani’s performance, the Dodgers won 11-2 over Washington. The Dodgers, who had won three games in a row, secured the winning streak early. The season record is 15 wins and 11 losses. They went ahead alone in the Western Division of the National League.
▲ Shohei Otani ⓒ Yonhap News/AP News
Otani shows his incredible strength. He showed his presence by hitting long balls from the first innings. Ohtani hit Jake Irvin’s 96.7 mph (155.6 km) fastball on the second pitch and hit a double in the middle of the month. Otani sent a powerful ball with an exit velocity of 115.6 miles (186 km). After that, Hotani scored the first run, hitting a home run on Will Smith’s groundout.
In the second at-bat in the second inning, the first baseman was caught with a line drive, but the quality of the batted ball itself was good. With no outs on first base, Ohtani pulled Irvin’s 90.5 mph (145.6 km) breaking fastball on the third pitch. He made a quick hit, but the ball Ohtani hit was caught by first baseman Trey Lipscomb. Mookie Betts, who was on first base, also failed to return to base and was tagged out.
In his third at-bat in the fourth inning, he was caught with a base hit. Ohtani targeted Irvin’s 89.3 mph (143.7 km) fastball, but it was caught by center fielder Eddie Rosaro’s glove. In his fourth at-bat in the sixth inning, he struck out.
Otani hit a double again in his fifth inning in the 8th inning. With 1 out and 3rd base on base, Ohtani hit a 93.9 mph (151 km) fastball off pitcher Tanner Rainey, sending the ball straight through left center. Betts, who was on third base, hit a home run, and Ohtani stood all the way to second base.
And in the last attack of the 9th inning, Ohtani hit a long shot again. With 2 outs and runners on 1st and 3rd, Ohtani hit a 92.8 mph (149 km) fastball off rookie pitcher Matt Barnes. The batted ball flew for a long time, but hit the right center wall and fell to the ground. Ohtani took a quick step and stood on second base, and each runner on base hit home.
Otani performed brilliantly. Entering today’s game, Ohtani recorded 26 games, 6 home runs, 16 RBI, 22 runs, a batting average of 0.371, an on-base percentage of 0.433, a slugging percentage of 0.695, and an OPS of 1.128. He ranked first in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS among all major league hitters. He scored high in various indicators, including 1st in doubles, 3rd in on-base percentage, and 5th in runs scored.
▲ Director Dave Roberts talks to Shohei Ohtani.
‘ESPN’, an American sports media outlet, also focused on Ohtani’s performance. The media said, “Ohtani recorded 3 hits in 6 at-bats, all of which were doubles. Ohtani hit a triple double for the first time in his major league career. “Ohtani leads the major leagues in slugging percentage, OPS, and doubles,” he said, pointing to Ohtani’s improved hitting skills.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was also impressed with Ohtani’s batting speed. Coach Roberts said, “Roberts’ average exit velocity will be in the top tier. “The moment the ball hits the bat, something incredible happens,” he said, sticking out his tongue.
▲Shohei Otani ⓒYonhap News/AP Press
Otani is focusing solely on batting this season. This is because he cannot play as a pitcher because he had elbow ligament surgery last year. Ohtani, who can only focus all his energy at the plate, boasts even more ferociously.
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