Japan defeated Italy 9-3 on Thursday to punch its ticket to the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinals.
As you probably would expect by now, Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani was behind the victory.
The two-way star started the game and allowed just a couple of runs in 4.2 innings, with a walk and five strikeouts.
At the plate, he went 1-for-4 with two runs.
It was actually a record-breaking day for a player used to breaking records.
“At 102.0 mph this is faster than any MLB pitch Ohtani has thrown. The only starting pitcher with a 102.0+ mph strikeout in an MLB game in the pitch-tracking era (2008) is Hunter Greene, with 2 on 9/17/22. HE ALSO HIT A BALL 115.4 MPH IN THIS GAME,” Sarah Langs tweeted.
At 102.0 mph this is faster than any MLB pitch Ohtani has thrown
the only starting pitcher with a 102.0+ mph strikeout in an MLB game in the pitch-tracking era (2008) is Hunter Greene, with 2 on 9/17/22
HE ALSO HIT A BALL 115.4 MPH IN THIS GAME https://t.co/5XldQHxU05
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 16, 2023
We don’t know what’s more impressive, the 102-mph fastball or the 115.4-mph batted ball.
Considering that it was beautifully located and it led to a strikeout, we will go with the former.
While MLB pitchers have embraced fastball velocity more than ever before, watching starters touch 102 mph is rare.
If we consider that they do it with perfect command, it’s all the more impressive.
Ohtani is definitely capable of things that not many mortals can do.
Greene is talented and all, and he can also hit 102 in any given game, but there is a world of difference between the two pitchers.
Ohtani just can’t be compared with anybody.
He is one of a kind and we should all sit back and enjoy one of the most talented and competitive players in the world.
NEXT:
Shohei Ohtani Proves How Much The WBC Means To Players
