SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani pitched three scoreless innings towards the San Francisco Giants on Saturday because the Dodgers star continues to work his manner again from elbow surgical procedure.
Working as an opener for the fifth time this season after not pitching in all of 2024, Ohtani threw 36 pitches, 25 for strikes whereas serving as Los Angeles’ opener for the fifth time this season. He allowed one hit and struck out the facet on 12 pitches within the first inning when his fastball was twice clocked at 99.9 mph.
“General a really environment friendly outing,” Ohtani stated by means of an interpreter. “I used to be glad that I used to be capable of forestall runs and we had been capable of maintain the lead all through the sport.”
The Giants solely two runners towards Ohtani got here on a four-pitch stroll to Jung Hoo Lee within the second inning and Mike Yastrzemski’s single within the third.
Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts famous a distinction in Ohtani’s mindset when he’s on the mound.
“You may simply see it. … that completely different demeanor that he carries on days that he pitches,” Roberts stated. “He actually may be very good so far as being astute and understanding the place we’re at and understanding that this is a vital win for us, an essential day. He introduced that depth right now. It’s not overt however you’ll be able to really feel it.”
Ohtani threw 19 pitches that had been at the least 97 mph.
“Except for the stuff, I’m extra proud of the command of my pitches and having the ability to assault the zone,” Ohtani stated. “At present was a type of days the place my fastball felt fairly good, so I leaned on it somewhat bit extra right now.”
The 2-way Japanese star, who didn’t pitch in all of 2024, was additionally the group’s designated hitter and hit within the leadoff. He grounded out in his first two at-bats after which struck out twice.
Ohtani has allowed one run and 5 hits over 9 innings this season.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
