In the meantime, the opponent catcher also responded with a smile to Ohtani's dignity..."I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere."
Oct 06, 2024
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Then he said "Nothing is nerve-wracking. It has been my dream since childhood to be able to do something in an important game, an important situation. I have more excitement and expectations than anything I have ever experienced so far."
It wasn't an empty word.
Ohtani enjoyed the joy of an emotional victory by shooting a home run in his Major League Baseball postseason debut.
In Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on the 6th, Ohtani led the team to a 7-5 victory by hitting two hits, three RBIs and two runs from five times at bat, including a home run.
Ohtani, who has never reached the postseason in six years with the Los Angeles Angels, signed a 10-year, $700 million FA contract last winter and moved to the Dodgers to hit a career high this season, including 50 home runs and 50 steals, and finally succeeded in entering fall baseball. And in the first fall baseball game, he also showed why he should be named MVP this year.
In his first at-bat, Ohtani hit a four-seam fastball flying high into the middle of the 99.4-mile stretch of San Diego ace Dylan Shees and retired with a missed fly to left field, hitting a home run in his second at-bat.
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On the ball count of 2B1S, Ohtani pulled a 96.9-mile fastball that flew into the high strike zone in the middle of Sizu's fourth pitch and hit the right fence on a line drive. Launch angle 25 degrees, batting speed 111.8 miles, and distance 372 feet.
After confirming the home run, Ohtani roared as he ran to first base after showing an intense bat flip. MLB.com said, `In the bottom of the second inning, Ohtani delivered a powerful bat flip after hitting a tying three-run homer in a way that emphasized his feelings.'
As San Diego led again 5-3 with Xander Bogaerts' two-run double in the top of the third inning, the Dodgers connected the chance with one out and a bases loaded with one out with Ohtani's hit following Edman's bunt hit and Rojas' left-handed hit in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ohtani hit left-hander Adrian Morehorn's high 98.4-mile sinker to create a missed hit in front of center field.
The Dodgers, who followed the third baseman Edman homered with Morehorn's wild pitch at Mookie Betts' at-bat, followed with 4-5 with two outs and a bases loaded, Teoscar Hernandez hit a heavy hit to bring Ohtani and Betts home, turning the tide to 6-5.
Smith scored during Edman's double play with runners on the second and third bases with no outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, widening the gap to 7-5.
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Ohtani is the sixth player in Dodgers history to hit a home run in his postseason debut after Jim Gilliam in 1953, Mike Piazza in 1995, Tom Wilson in 2004, Max Muncy in 2018 and Gavin Lux in 2019.
Ohtani said "Siz is one of the best pitchers in the major leagues. He's a pitcher who doesn't make many mistakes and all the pitches are really good. I noticed the ball, and I'm glad I could hit it."I could feel the atmosphere of the fans flowing throughout the stadium even before the game. I thoroughly enjoyed it" expressed his feelings.
However, despite the urgent flow, Ohtani drew attention by demonstrating 'partnership spirit'. Ohtani, who entered the fifth batter's box with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning with a 7-5 lead, turned his bat on the opponent's left-hander Tanner Scott's 98.2-mile fastball in the middle of the fifth pitch. The ball, which became a foul tip, flowed sideways after hitting catcher Elias Diaz's mask. Ohtani approached with a worried look on his face and tapped him on the shoulder as the shocked Diaz stepped back and stumbled in a sitting position. It was a gesture to ask if it was okay. Diaz nodded and responded with a smile, caressing Ohtani's arm.
Ohtani struck out swinging on Scott's high seventh pitch fastball in the ensuing game, but it was as impressive as a home run in the second inning.
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jhno@sportschosun.com
