(MHN Sports Writer Yeonjun Park) It wasn’t just his long bat, it was also his quick feet.
Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a home run, a walk and two stolen bases as the No. 2 designated hitter in the 2023 Major League Baseball World Series home game against the Chicago Cubs at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on Aug. 8 (ET).
It started with a big at-bat in the first inning. With the bases loaded, Ohtani took a five-pitch fastball from Cubs starter Jameson Taillon for a double to center field. However, he was unable to capitalize on the hit as no one followed up.
In his second at-bat of the inning, he flied out to left field on a full count.
Two batters later in the fifth, he walked. He promptly stole second base for his eighth stolen base of the season. It was the 1,000th stolen 메이저놀이터 base in the Japanese major leagues.
He also stole third base, demonstrating his Sonic-like dodging instincts.
In his fourth at-bat, in the sixth inning, he struck out swinging. In his final at-bat with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, he grounded out to second base.
Ohtani’s hitting has been on fire lately. He is on a three-game hitting streak, starting with a four-hit game on April 4 and including his 16th home run the day before. However, his season batting average has dropped from .276 to .275.
Ohtani wasn’t the only Angels hitter hot on the day. Mike Trout activated the home run machine, and leadoff hitter Mickey Moniak had a three-hit game.
On the mound, Barria pitched five innings of two-run ball to lead the Angels to a 6-2 win over the Cubs. They improved to 33-30 on the season. They have won three in a row.
