Shohei Otani【One question and one answer, full text】Good pitch in the opening game but loss "One more run"

Major League Baseball Angels' Shohei Ohtani entered the season opener against the Athletics as the starting pitcher and No. 3 designated hitter. He went 6-for-2 with two hits and no runs in six innings, but the Angels came from behind to take a 3-1 loss when relievers hit in the eighth. After the match, Ohtani answered each question to the Japanese and American media.

Q.10 strikeouts, no runs.
A.Well, I played a foreball a little bit at the start. I think I managed to get into a good rhythm and rebuild after that.

Q.Did the delay in the pre-game ceremony affect the pitching start?
A.I didn't have that. I had assumed to some extent that [the ceremony time] would be pressed. I was throwing it while thinking that I was going to push it.

Q.Did the pitchcom stop at the beginning of the game?
A.Me? Let's see. The first time, I could hear it at first, but after that, I couldn't hear it for a while, so I changed it to a sign on my hand.

Q.What happens after that?
A. No, after that (okay).

Q.There was a conversation with the referee at the end of the fifth inning.
A.Basically, the batter. It's the same with throwing the pitch clock early, but it's like the batter looks at it before throwing. It's a delicate point, but the feeling (to wait). The last time was said to be "good". I was like, "Can you be a little careful about that?"

Q.It's only one game, but it's been a difficult loss.
A.Basically, I think we were able to attack well, so I think we didn't get one more shot. We were well in the scoring zone, so I think we really wanted to add an extra goal.

Q.I think the four hits would have been a net of defensive shifts until last year, but how do you feel about the effect of the shift ban?
A.One of the things I've done so far is that I've touched left-handed hitters too much, so I think this has made it even. In terms of pitching, that's even for me. On the other hand, when throwing, I think you have to think about how to distribute the ball.

Q.Last year, one of your goals was to have a batting average of 3%, but will you be able to achieve it now that there are no defensive shifts?
A.You won't know until you try that, and even though I had two strikeouts today, I think I could have approached it a little differently. If we can clear that, I think we can aim enough.

Q. What about Wright's Renfroe's super catch?
A.No, I thought it was a hit (laughs). I was so surprised that I couldn't react (laughs).

Q.Pitch Clock, how was it to try it in an official match?
A.I think the basic relationship was a little more important today than the pitch clock. Especially until the first time, it was a little chilly. Well let's see. In terms of mechanics, I feel like the timing wasn't right a bit.

Q.How do I fix it from there?
A.Basically, I just reproduce the movements I usually throw in the game. Whether it's the pitch clock, the temperature, or the way the batter responds, it can gradually collapse. Basically, no matter what kind of batter or situation you are in, if you can move well as you practice, I think you will be able to perform as usual.

Q.When you stepped up a gear in four pinch times, you pressed it straight.
A.I think the straightness itself was in good shape. Well, it was a little bit of a hook with the counting ball, and that area was not good when it came to straightness. In that situation, I had a lot of good balls on my fingers. Well, the slider was fine, and the split was good, but I guess I chose the ball that had the best chance (to get out) and threw it.

Q.Were you nervous in the opening match? Or did the WBC go into the match with a certain amount of relaxation?
A.What do you think? Well, of course, it's a special thing, the opening pitcher. There is. Feelingly, I was more nervous when I went to the WBC as a closer. I think it's a plus for me to be able to do that during early spring training.

Q.With the WBC in mind, how did you approach the season?
A.During spring training, even if you are told to "throw in spring training" in anticipation of the regular season, for example, it will not be the same as the regular season. I think it's a plus that I was able to handle such a stage at the WBC where I was able to raise my mind and produce output.

Q.As a hitter, you've been getting hits all the time, but how are you doing?
A. Hmm. Well, overall, it's a little late. I think there was. I missed a few sweet balls. I'm off tomorrow, but I'd like to fix it one more time.

Q.What kind of pitch did you get a strikeout in a pinch?
A. Split.

Q.How do you switch to the next one in a bad way of losing?
A.We scored the last goal, but of course we conceded the fewest goals. If we can add an extra goal before that and the concentration to tie the game one more time when that happens, I think it will be a much better game.

Q.Tomorrow (April 4, Japan time) will be against pitcher Fujinami.
A.What we do doesn't change. It's been a long time since I've been at bat, and I don't know what kind of ball it is. I haven't even seen the data yet. Well, while looking around, the image. It's tomorrow's day off, and I'd like to make corrections.