Shohei Ohtani of the Major League Baseball Angels hit the No. 6 home run this season against the Astros, and was the first in the Major League to defend the outfield.
On the 24th, Otani started as the second designated hitter in the Astros match held in his opponent's hometown of Houston.
In the game, the Astros starting pitcher took one out and was replaced after complaining of a problem, so Otani suddenly pitched on the day when he played against Emmanuel, who made his major league debut, and was the first grounder.
In the second at-bat three times, which chased two points, he caught a fastball and hit the center with a solo home run, which was the sixth in this season.
Otani's home run is the first in three games since the 21st when he hit the 100th in Japan and the United States.
He hit a sharp ball in the 3rd at bat in the 6th inning, but it became a short ground ball, and the 4th at bat in the 9th inning was a first ground ball error. It was.
Also, from the middle of the 8th inning, which was a big lead of 2 to 13, Otani entered the left defense instead of the left player going up to the mound as a pitcher.
It was in the professional baseball / Nippon-Ham era that Otani was able to defend other than pitchers, but it was the first time in the fourth year in the major leagues that he handled a two-base hit to the left line and between plays. Was also seen throwing sunglasses dropped on the ground by fans back onto the fence.
The Angels were thrown to the end by the opponent's pitcher Emmanuel and lost 2 to 16 in a row, resulting in four consecutive losses.
Director Maddon "Defense is a proposal from Otani"
Angels coach Maddon said of Otani's appointment to the left, "It was an emergency. We lacked fielders in that scene. It wasn't in the plan, but he would be happy to defend the left. He told me, "he said, revealing that Otani had a suggestion to protect him.
According to the team, Otani borrowed the gloves of left-field regular Justin Upton to defend.