“He’s a different type of player.”

Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels) played as the second designated hitter against the Texas Rangers in the 2023 Major League Baseball at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on the 17th, and scored three hits (one home run) and one RBI in four at-bats. Thanks to Otani’s performance, the Angels won 2-0.

Ohtani swung the fire bat from his first at-bat. In the top of the first inning, he hit John Gray’s 95.7 mile (about 154km/h) four-seam fastball and crossed the middle fence. Gray’s ball came a long way from the strike zone, but he hit a home run with a force. It was a large home run with a batting speed of 109.1 miles (about 175 km/h) and a distance of 437 feet (about 133 m).

Gray, who hit a home run, also acknowledged Otani’s home run. Gray said after the game, “I thought the ball I threw at Otani was where I wanted it to be. But he’s a different kind of player,” he said.

Otani added hits in his second and fourth at-bats. Both hits were infield hits made by sprinting. He came out as the leadoff hitter in the top of the third inning and made an infield hit by pushing an outer four-seam fastball that was far away from the strike zone. Third baseman Ezekiel Duran threw the ball after catching it, but Otani stepped on the first base first.

In his fourth at-bat in the top of the eighth inning, he hit Aroldis Chapman’s 103.1 mile (about 165 km/h) sinker. A missed ball came out. However, Otani sprinted at full speed and shortstop Corey Seager caught and threw, but it was too late to catch Otani.

Angels manager Phil Nevin praised Ohtani’s infield hit. He said, “He’s the best player. When a team leader plays like this, it brings different energy to the dugout. It is as meaningful as scoring with a home run,” he said.

Japanese media Daily Sports said, “Ottani delayed the mound due to fatigue problems in his right arm, but there was no impact on hitting and running,” adding, “It is Otani’s way of life not to give up.” 토토사이트