Shohei Ohtani threw the quickest pitch of his profession at 101.7 mph and labored two environment friendly innings in his third mound begin for the Los Angeles Dodgers, permitting one hit and one stroll in opposition to the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.
It was the primary begin of multiple inning this season for the two-way celebrity, who’s working as an opener as he eases his means again into pitching.
The three-time MVP didn’t pitch final season, his first with the Dodgers, whereas recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure. He made 86 mound begins over 5 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, going 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA.
On Saturday, Ohtani threw first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he confronted and completed with 27 pitches, 20 for strikes.
He allowed a one-out single to Bobby Witt Jr. within the first and walked Maikel Garcia earlier than throwing the 101.7 mph fastball on an 0-2 rely to Vinnie Pasquantino, who grounded right into a double play.
Ohtani retired the facet so as within the second, fanning rookie Jac Caglianone on an 89 mph slider.
Nevertheless, his day on the plate was lower than stellar as he went 0-for-4 because the 9-5 loss. He struck out 3 times.
The 30-year-old has 29 homers this season as Los Angeles’ major designated hitter.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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