Shohei Ohtani of the Major League Baseball Dodgers got off to a great start in his first home debut after transferring, scoring two hits against the Cardinals on the 28th.
More than 50,000 people gathered for the first home game of the season at Dodger Stadium, and there was an especially loud cheer when Otani's name was called during the pregame ceremony.
Furthermore, when Otani, who started as the No. 2 designated hitter, went to bat in the first inning with no outs on first base, the local fans stood up all at once and welcomed him with loud applause.
In his first at-bat, Otani successfully pulled a low curveball and carried it to the right field line for an extra-base hit.
His first hit at home was two bases, although he was pinched as he rounded second base and was touched out.
In the second at-bat of the third inning, when the Dodgers were leading 3-0, he carefully identified the ball and chose a walk, which led to No. 3 Freeman's first two-run home run of the season, leading to an extra point. .
His third at-bat in the 5th inning was a hit to right field, and his fourth at-bat in the 7th inning was a strikeout.
In this game, Otani had 2 hits in 3 at-bats and one walk, marking multiple hits in his first home game since transferring.
Thanks to Otani's performance, the Dodgers won 7-1.
Otani: ``He's calmly taking the turn at bat. The loud cheers keep him motivated.''
Immediately after the game, Otani said in an interview on the field, ``I'm glad we won, and I'm glad that I was able to enter my turn at bat calmly.I think I can see the ball well, and I entered my turn at bat relatively calmly.'' I think we should be able to play tomorrow's match as is."
When asked about the local Dodgers fans, he said with a smile, ``They're scary when you're the enemy, but they're reliable when you're on your side.Even when I'm at bat, I get a lot of cheering, which keeps me motivated.''