The Los Angeles Dodgers and the U.S. were stunned by Shohei Ohtani’s surprise bunt hit.
On the 21st (Korean time), Ohtani started as the second designated hitter in the 2024 MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, going 3-for-1 with 1 walk and 1 run scored.
Ohtani continued his momentum from the previous day (20th), where he hit a walk-off single among multiple hits. His season batting average remained at .353 (67 hits in 190 at-bats).
He scored a hit right from his first at-bat. With one out and no runners in the top of the first inning, Ohtani laid down a surprise bunt on the first sinker pitch from opponent starter Joe Mantiply. Mantiply fielded the ball and threw to first, but it was a wild throw. Ohtani was safe, and the play was recorded as a hit rather than an error.
The inning ended with Freddie Freeman’s double play.
Ohtani was quiet in his subsequent at-bats. In the third inning, with one out and runners on first and second, he walked to reach base multiple times. He then scored when Freeman hit a grand slam.
In the fifth inning, he retired with a fly ball to left field, and in his last at-bat in the eighth, he retired with a line drive to first base.
Although he only managed one hit, the impact of that one hit was significant.
Media outlets were excited as well. Dodgers Nation said, “Ohtani started the game with a perfect bunt. This man can unsettle any pitcher. We love Ohtani,” expressing their admiration.
Dodgers Nation reporter Noah Camras also praised Ohtani’s selfless attitude, stating, “This man (Ohtani) has no ego. He will do anything for the Dodgers to win,” giving him a thumbs up for his dedication.
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