In a display of unparalleled talent and versatility, Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar of the Los Angeles Angels, etched his name in baseball history during yesterday’s doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Not only did he hurl his first career shutout, allowing just one hit, but he also smashed two home runs, further solidifying his reputation as a baseball phenom – and potentially a historic baseball phenom.
Simply put, it was one of the greatest individual days in baseball history.
It wall began with Ohtani’s remarkable performance on the mound during Game 1. Over the course of nine innings, he allowed only a single hit, walking three batters while striking out eight.
The lone hit came from Kerry Carpenter, leading off the fifth inning. With a total of 111 pitches thrown, Ohtani showcased his pitching prowess, leaving the Tigers batters baffled and frustrated.
Angels star Shohei Ohtani talks about his complete game, one-hit shutout in the Angels' 6-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/O2Bj36IS0C
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) July 27, 2023
“He was the story of both games,” praised Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He was the best player on the field for both games. We saw what he does at his best on both sides.”
After his masterful pitching display, Ohtani quickly changed gears to prepare for Game 2 without missing a beat. Going from the mound to the batter’s box, he showed no signs of fatigue or hesitation.
In the second inning, he connected with a four-seamer, sending it soaring off his bat at an impressive 107.6 mph for a home run.
“He probably had the greatest day of baseball that anyone has ever seen today. It was incredible,” said Tigers’ starter Matt Manning, acknowledging Ohtani’s undeniable talent.
Ohtani’s incredible feats continued into the fourth inning of Game 2, where he showcased his hitting power once again, launching a solo home run with an astounding exit velocity of 116.9 mph. This marked his 16th career multi-homer game and his fourth this season, a testament to his consistency and talent as a slugger.
People say “I’m going to tell my kids about him one day” but this is truly unlike anything we’ve ever seen…
Shohei Ohtani pitched a one-hit complete game game 1 & has gone yard twice in game 2. He has 36 homers so far.
The greatest player of all-time.pic.twitter.com/e4TobKeqbr
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) July 27, 2023
The historical significance of Ohtani’s doubleheader performance became evident when compared to past records. According to MLB.com research guru Sarah Langs, the last time a pitcher achieved a shutout while hitting a home run on the same day was back in 1986.
Ohtani’s accomplishment took this feat to a new level, doing it in two games, not one.
“His uniqueness merits all the respect in the world,” praised Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, acknowledging the extraordinarily rare talent of the Angels star.
Despite Ohtani leaving Game 2 prior to the seventh inning due to cramping, it did little to overshadow his extraordinary achievements on the day.
Shohei Ohtani continues to be the most unbelievable player in the history of baseball
His doubleheader stats
Pitching Game 1: 9 IP 0 ER 1 H
Batting Game 2: 2 HR 3 RBI
pic.twitter.com/ImrDNUrbiP— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) July 27, 2023
Angels Manager Phil Nevin confirmed that Ohtani’s exit was a precautionary measure due to the long, hot day, and he would continue as the designated hitter in the upcoming game against Toronto.
Ohtani’s stellar performance during the doubleheader was initially unexpected, as he was scheduled to only serve as the designated hitter for the full nine innings. However, unfortunate weather led the Angels to move up his pitching start to the doubleheader.
Shohei Ohtani’s historic doubleheader performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most extraordinary displays of talent in baseball history. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a batter at such a high level is mind-boggling.
Yes, he needs to keep this up for several more years – but is it no longer crazy to think that he could end up surpassing Babe Ruth’s God-like status in the baseball world?