LOS ANGELESDodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani pitched on his 31st birthday on Saturday, working two scoreless innings against the Houston Astros in his fourth mound start of the season. In the second inning, he struck out the side in order.
Ohtani pitched 31 pitches, 21 of which were strikes, and gave up one hit. He finished his most recent appearance as an opener while recovering from elbow surgery by fanning Christian Walker, Victor Caratini, and Yanier Diaz all swinging.
Ohtanit delivered the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph in his last start, which was a week ago. He only reached triple digits once this time, on a fastball that Caratini fouled off at 100.9 mph.
After the second inning, Ohtani headed to the dugout and Dodgers organist Dieter Ruehle played a line of “Happy Birthday.” The Los Angeles grounds crew scribbled “HB Sho” in the dirt prior to the game.
With a single to left, Isaac Paredes took the lead against Ohtani. Then, second baseman Tommy Edman converted a comebacker hit by Cam Smith into a double play thanks to Ohtani. Ohtani retired the team on ten pitches after Jose Altuve ground out.
Ohtani has a 1.50 ERA after giving up only one run in six innings this season.
While recuperating from Tommy John surgery, the three-time MVP did not pitch in the Dodgers’ inaugural season. During his five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, he made 86 pitching starts and finished 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA.
Ohtani grounded out in the first and second innings while batting in his usual leadoff position.
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Link: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb AP MLB
