As part of the Los Angeles Dodgers mapping out Shohei Ohtani’s starts, he was lined up to face the Los Angeles Angels in the finale of the Freeway Series.
Ohtani’s ninth start of the season marked his first time getting a chance to pitch at Angel Stadium as a member of the Dodgers. He entered the night 21-8 with a 2.22 ERA in 47 career starts at the Angels’ home ballpark.
“I had a lot of good memories being on this team,” Ohtani answered through interpreter Will Ireton when asked about pitching at Angel Stadium.
“It’s one of my favorite stadiums to play in, so it was a really important mark for me to be able to pitch on this mound again.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game the plan was for Ohtani to complete five innings.
Ohtani threw a season-high 4.1 innings and threw 80 pitches, which also marked his most this year. Unfortunately for Ohtani and the Dodgers, his season-worst four runs allowed played a part in the Angels ultimately completing a comeback win.
“I just couldn’t finish off hitters in the fifth and they did a good job of putting balls in play. Next time I’ve got to do a better job,” Ohtani said after the Dodgers’ 6-5 loss.
Ohtani finished with seven strikeouts and appeared to run out of endurance in the fifth inning, but he claimed that wasn’t an issue.
“No fatigue. Felt pretty good facing the first hitter, but I just couldn’t finish off the other hitters. That’s what happens,” Ohtani said of falling short of completing five innings.
Shohei Ohtani vs. Mike Trout
Wednesday’s game marked the first time Ohtani has ever pitched against Mike Trout in an MLB game. Their only other matchup was when they went toe-to-toe in the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani twice struck out Trout on Wednesday, which included throwing a 100.7 mph four-seam fastball. The pitch was Ohtani’s fastest in his outing.
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