Major League Baseball Angels' Shohei Ohtani earned his fourth win of the season against the Athletics on the 27th, giving up five runs in six innings. In batting, he had three hits, and if he hit a home run, he would have hit for the second time. After the match, Ohtani answered each question to the Japanese and American media.
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Q.When you went into your fifth at-bat, how many cycle hits did you have in your mind? Did you think the moment you hit it was gone?
A.Well, I didn't think I went because it was ahead (of the bat). Since I was at first and second base, I wanted to hit a solid hit rather than a home run.
Q.The short time between the end of the third inning and the time when he went to the mound in the fourth inning did it affect his pitching?
A.I don't think so. I think we were a little defensive, or we lacked the offensive mentality that we had to win and hold back.
Q.How did you get back on your feet after collapsing in the fourth inning?
A.We were still in the tie stage, so the best thing was that we were able to hold off the second inning. As a result, I think the best part was that I was able to throw six solid innings.
Q.Did the pitchcom affect the fourth inning?
A.Sometimes I can't hear or hear it, so I wasn't feeling well. It doesn't really matter. Even if it breaks, I think it's best to be able to throw it with the hand sign in the same way.
Q.This season, you have been throwing long innings to lead your team to victory even when your command is not good, but do you feel you have improved as a pitcher?
A.To be honest, in the bullpen today, I was in the same way as I did in the first (game), but I think I was in the best shape this season. It's really only four times. Conversely, it was good that we were able to rebuild again after that. There will be such things again in the future, and I think it was a good experience.
Q.You have been getting good results in the last two days at bat, but what is your condition?
A.As for the condition, I think the batting was the best today. Since the start of the season, I think I have been able to see the ball the most, and I think I have seen it very well. Overall, it was good today. As a result, we scored five runs, but I think it was good both in terms of batting and pitching.
Q.How has the team performed so far?
A.We've won three games in this series, and we've won so far. The offense is excellent, and the middle seamers are full of work until the end. We were down by one run at the end, but I think we were able to hold off Estée (Estevez) and win the match. I'm going to go on an expedition (from tomorrow to Milwaukee), but I will continue to do my best.
Q.I think the fourth inning was frustrating because you were hit by the ball on a tough course, but how did you feel?
A.What do you think? I'm not saying that the first dead ball is everything. I think that was the place where we should have been the most definite.
Q.How did you change your mind from there?
A. It was still 4-5. It's really one more start from here. Of course, I'm sorry that I scored five goals and that I was scored again. As one of the players on offense, I want to rebuild the game one more time.
Q.In the fourth inning, you seemed to be unusually disturbed on the mound?
A.Is there any mental disturbance? I think there is something operational. I think the fact that I wasn't throwing with a runner on my back with a slide step (quick motion) and that I was trying to find a little bit of balance or timing was more technical than mental.
Q.Did being in too good shape lead to a sense of defense?
A.No, I don't think so. The first three innings were really good. There were many situations where I hadn't thrown with a slide step so far, and suddenly I had to carry a runner on my back. I couldn't find my rhythm and hit a home run. I don't know what I would say, but I was told that a runner who put out a foreball was returned with a home run. Considering that I only got three hits as a result, I think I was responsible for myself.
Q.You have missed one game so far this season. Will it be better to stay in the game?
A.Well, I don't think there's any particular reason. I want to go out if I need it.
Of course, if you are not in such good form and are judged to be unnecessary, you may be left out of the starting line-up. I don't think there is any problem with my physical condition so far.
Q.If it's the 1th, your next pitch will be against the Cardinals. Do you have a match against Nootvar?
A.First of all, we have Milwaukee (against the Brewers). Of course, I'm looking forward to St. Louis (Cardinals). First of all, I think the next three matches are important, so I will do my best to win the first match.
Q.The WBC Japan Representative received the Medal with Purple Ribbon.
A.It's a great honor to be able to work as a team, and if there are a lot of people who really think so, I'll be happy. Personally, I'm in the season and I haven't looked back too much at the end. For the time being, I can still play baseball this season, so I want to focus on that first.