It’s finally happening.
Shohei Ohtani is putting together the kind of season we all dreamed about when he signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017.
In his past three seasons, we’ve seen the power stroke and flashes of what he could do on the mound before he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018.
But both in the same year? It’s happening! And it’s UNREAL.
In fact, we saw both on the same night on Monday in a 9-4 Angels win over the Texas Rangers. Ohtani started on the mound, pitched five innings and gave up four runs, three hits, walked two and struck out … NINE!
But wait! He also hit a two-run double and went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.
His stats, as of right now: 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA, 23 Ks in 13.2 innings, PLUS .300, 7 HR, 18 RBI and three steals. MVP-type numbers? Uh yeah, I’d say so especially with this fun fact:
Shohei Ohtani will start on the mound tonight while also being tied for 1st in MLB with 7 HR at the plate.
Ohtani will be the first player since Babe Ruth (1921) to make a start as a pitcher while entering with at least a share of the league-wide HR lead.
(h/t @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/i0IMSDGnGE
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 26, 2021
And my goodness, look at these pitches:
Ohtani collected his most strikeouts since May of 2018.
(MLB x @HankookTireUSA) pic.twitter.com/RoyH7Vy9JA
— MLB (@MLB) April 27, 2021
Shohei Ohtani, Filthy 90mph Splitter. 😷
A streak of K'ing 7 of 8 hitters. pic.twitter.com/4lmVvmM7mj
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 27, 2021
Shohei Ohtani, 97mph Fastball (Swinging Strike) & Unfair 82mph Back Door Slider (Backwards K), Overlay.
You can see how far off the plate the slider started. 😯 pic.twitter.com/NmFs2UpMCY
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 27, 2021
He even bunted for a base hit:
Classic pitcher bunting. 🤣
That's Ohtani's second hit tonight. 👀 pic.twitter.com/dWvbHrEfFq
— MLB (@MLB) April 27, 2021
WILD!
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