Shohei Ohtani Pitches 101 MPH & Hits A Home Run In Same Inning

Shohei Ohtani showed off his two-way ability on Sunday. The Los Angeles Angels designated Ohtani as their designated hitter for Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

Ohtani got off to a strong first inning. The starting pitcher faced Tim Anderson, Adam Eaton, Jose Abreu, and Yoan Moncada. The pitcher forced Anderson out with a ground out, struck out Eaton and walked Abreu. The pitcher ended the half-inning with another ground out of Moncada.

In that inning, Ohtani threw three pitches that went above 100 mph, and his first pitch of the game was 98 mph. The highest pitch he threw was above 101 mph and a 100.6-mph fastball to Eaton.

While his pitching went fantastic, Ohtani did not end it there. The pitcher was also the designated hitter for the game, so he came to bat and was second in the batting order. The pitcher came up to the batter box to face White Sox’s starting pitcher Dylan Cease.

Cease only threw one pitch to Ohtani because he crushed the ball for a 450 feet home run.

Ohtani now owns the hardest pitch thrown so far and the hardest-hit home run with 115.2 mph. The accomplishment did not end there. Ohtani became the first starting pitcher to hit a home run within the first seven spots of the batting order. The last time that happened was by Babe Ruth in 1933.

Unfortunately, Ohtani was pulled from the game after an ankle injury in the fifth inning. The starting pitcher finished the game with two hits, one earned run allowed, and seven strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. As a batter, he finished one for three and an RBI.

After the game, Ohtani was happy with his performance in the game. “I’m glad I got this game under my belt,” Ohtani told reporters, “It will lead to more confidence.”

“There’s a huge difference with the fans, it helps me concentrate at the plate and on the mound. Ohtani said, “I feel like I get that extra push and extra gear.”

The Angels beat the White Sox 7-4.

Article by Allan Perez