Shohei Ohtani, a true two-way phenom, dazzles in Spring Training

Shohei Ohtani, a true two-way phenom, dazzles in Spring Training
22/03/2021
The inaugural WBSC Premier12 sensation batted lead-off and was the starting pitcher of an MLB Spring Training game for the Los Angeles Angels. "I would love to do this during the season," Ohtani said.

Shohei Ohtani, who starred for Samurai Japan at the inaugural WBSC Premier12 2015, completed a rare feat in a Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Training game on Sunday, 21 March.

Ohtani batted lead-off for the Los Angeles Angels against the San Diego Padres, going 2-for-2 with a walk. Ohtani was also the starting pitcher, going four innings, allowing one run on two hits and two walks, while striking out five. Ohtani's velocity topped 101.9 miles (164 kilometres) per hour. His fastest-ever pitch recorded is 165km/h, a heater that broke the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league record.

The Angels lost the warm-up game 4-1 but Ohtani's performance remains sensational.

"I'm very excited to show what I can do,” Ohtani told MLB.com through an interpreter. "That's why I came here back in 2018. I'm sure I disappointed a lot of people in the last two years by being hurt. I am looking forward to showing everyone what I'm capable of."

Ohtani said he is considering accepting double duties during the regular season.
"I would love to do this during the season. If I could get run support for myself, that would give me extra confidence on the mound to be more aggressive."

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