Categories: Sport

Shohei Ohtani comes within inches of making yet more MLB history in Angels win

Shohei Ohtani was the starting pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday but he fell short of making history.

Kyodo News/Getty Images


CNN
 — 

It was a case of so close, yet so far for Shohei Ohtani on Thursday as the two-way star came within inches of making yet more MLB history in the Los Angeles Angels’ 8-7 win over the Oakland Athletics.

The 28-year-old stepped out to the plate in the eighth inning having already recorded a single, double and triple against the Athletics, needing a home run to become the first player to hit for the cycle while also being the game’s starting pitcher.

It’s safe to say that Ohtani got his chance.

The Angels star hit the first pitch he saw high into the air, with the crowd rising to their feet in anticipation.

But instead of clearing the field, Oakland’s center fielder Esteury Ruiz caught the ball at the wall, denying Ohtani a slice of history.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani talks with home plate umpire Pat Hoberg after the first inning of a baseball game, in which he was called for a pitch clock violation against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Lindsey Wasson/AP

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani gets two pitch clock violations, on both the plate and mound

“It was off the end, so I knew it wasn’t gone off the bat,” Ohtani said through an interpreter, per the MLB website.

“I just wish it would have gone out because we had runners on base. That’s all I was thinking about.”

The last player to hit for the cycle and pitch in the same game was Jimmy Ryan in 1888, per MLB. On that day, though, Ryan was not the starting pitcher for the Chicago White Stockings.

Ohtani has already written his name in the history books, becoming the first Japanese-born player to hit a single, double, triple and home run all in the same game – what’s known in the sport as a “cycle” – in 2019.

Despite those inside the Angel Stadium not witnessing history on Thursday, Ohtani’s efforts contributed to his team’s eventual win over the A’s.

The superstar did, however, give up five runs from the mound but was happy enough with his performance in the game.

“I actually felt the best I’ve felt all year at the plate,” Ohtani said, per the MLB website.

“I gave up those five runs, but I still felt pretty good, pitching-wise. Overall, it was a good day.”

Share

Recent Posts

Mexican migrant Wisconsin judge accused of helping evade ICE faces domestic abuse charges; had been deported

close Video Buck Sexton: Everyone who thinks the law doesn't count needs to be put…

2 hours ago

Famed stunt pilot was in contact with control tower prior to fatal crash at Langley Air Force Base

close Video Famed stunt pilot was talking to air traffic controllers prior to fatal crash…

2 hours ago

ICE Denver arrests Tren de Aragua member with multiple criminal convictions

close Video Ex-New Mexico judge, wife arrested for allegedly harboring illegal Tren de Aragua member…

2 hours ago

Florida doorbell camera captures alligator up on hind legs, ‘knocking’ on door

close Video Alligator knocks on door at Florida home The uninvited visitor at the Lake…

2 hours ago

Judge temporarily blocks Trump order ending collective bargaining rights for most federal workers

A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump that…

2 hours ago

Retired NYPD officer attacked in teen ‘gang assault’ after confronting them for harassing cab driver: report

close Video Retired LAPD Lt. praises NYPD as global model for combating domestic terror Retired…

4 hours ago