Watch: Ohtani perplexed at being intentionally walked
Shohei Ohtani got intentionally walked for the first time in his MLB career, and he handled it like a guy who is very confused about the rule. pic.twitter.com/QSpoXRaog4
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) April 13, 2018
It's not often the No. 8 batter gets the intentional-walk treatment.
However, the Kansas City Royals weren't taking their chances with Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani when he came to the plate in the top of the sixth inning Thursday night.
Ohtani seemed simultaneously confused and disappointed by the decision to be freely issued first base, with the broadcasters speculating that the rule is probably new to the slugger.
After Ohtani recently hit a home run in three straight games, it's understandable why the Royals would think twice about pitching to him.
They didn't have the same option when he came to the dish with the bases loaded in the seventh, though:
✅ Turn on a 96.7 mph fastball inside.
— #Statcast (@statcast) April 13, 2018
✅ Rip a 106 mph liner into the gap.
✅ Reach a 28.3 ft/sec Sprint Speed.
✅ Race home to 3rd in 11.49 seconds for a 3-run triple.
Just another amazing Shohei Ohtani moment for the @Angels! pic.twitter.com/LVUPefOkKc
Maybe they should have just walked him again, after all.