Ohtani chased from spring debut after 1 1/3 innings
Shohei Ohtani's MLB debut may not look remarkable according to the box score, but American baseball fans getting their first look at the 23-year-old phenom were witnesses to moments of brilliance by the new Los Angeles Angels star.
After 31 pitches, here's how the two-way star's first pitching line against the Milwaukee Brewers will go into the record books:
| IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 1/3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6.75 |
Many firsts accompanied the budding star's debut, including his first strikeout; against minor-league infielder Nate Orf.
The Sho begins. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/JR5ept5LVd
— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2018
Of course, another notable first was the long ball Keon Broxton hit off of him - a no-doubter to left field on a poorly-placed fastball. The homer chased Ohtani from the game in the second inning:
Keon Broxton's HR off Shohei Ohtani via a 1-1 fastball down the pipe. pic.twitter.com/htuMEj7KzT
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) February 24, 2018
Part of Ohtani's struggles seemed to stem from locating his fastball, which sat around 93 mph-to-94 mph, according to Pedro Moura of The Athletic.
While his fastball came well advertised, it was his secondary stuff that made the biggest impression, as this curveball to Brewers outfield prospect Brett Phillips shows:
Shohei Ohtani's sweet Curveball pic.twitter.com/bj9Cfwxebf
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) February 24, 2018
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