Ohtani ready to pitch vs Trout, USA in relief at WBC final

Baseball

Published 21.03.2023

Ohtani ready to pitch vs Trout, USA in relief at WBC final

MIAMI — That matchup between Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani within the World Baseball Classic could not occur.

Japan rallied within the ninth inning to beat Mexico and advance to Tuesday night time’s championship recreation in opposition to the United States, however Shota Imanaga will begin on the mound for the Samurai Warriors.

If Trout is to bat in opposition to his Los Angeles Angels teammate, it might solely be if Ohtani makes a uncommon reduction look.

Japan supervisor Hideki Kuriyama mentioned he doubtless will use the identical beginning lineup as he did within the semifinal Monday night time in opposition to Mexico, when Ohtani batted third because the designated hitter and doubled to start out the ninth-inning comeback.

Asked earlier than the sport what probability Ohtani had of pitching Tuesday, Kuriyama replied by a translator: “I won’t say it’s a zero.”

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While Ohtani has by no means relieved since becoming a member of the Angels for the 2018 season, he got here out of the bullpen twice for the Pacific League’s Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013 and as soon as in 2016.

“I’ll definitely be prepared to pitch wherever, but before that I am going to have to hit, so make sure I put some runs on the board before I get to pitch,” Ohtani mentioned by a translator.

Ohtani final took the mound on March 16 in a 9-3 quarterfinal victory over Italy in Tokyo, beginning and pitching shutout ball into the fifth inning. He allowed two runs and 4 hits with 5 strikeouts and a stroll, throwing 71 pitches.

Trout, a three-time AL MVP, has been a Los Angeles Angels teammate of Ohtani’s since 2018 and like most everybody has watched Ohtani grow to be a two-way star with out precedent — Babe Ruth didn’t put up large offensive totals till his pitching days have been largely behind.

Ahead of the WBC, Trout contemplated what it might be wish to hit in opposition to Ohtani, the 2021 AL MVP.

“I get a front-row seat every time he pitches when he’s with us, so it’s pretty nasty,” Trout mentioned. “And every person I talk to that faces him says they don’t want to be in the box. So it’s going to be interesting. I’m looking forward to it. He’s one of my good friends, so it’s going to be fun.”

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Merrill Kelly begins for the U.S., which would be the visiting staff. The Americans had a day without work following their 14-2 semifinal rout of Cuba.

Ohtani is hitting .450 with one dwelling run, 4 doubles, 9 walks and eight RBIs in the course of the WBC. He is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings on the mound.

Trout is hitting .318 with one homer, seven RBIs, 5 walks and 9 strikeouts in 22 at-bats.

“Obviously, Trout versus Ohtani, I think that’s special,” Japan middle fielder Lars Nootbaar mentioned. “I think it’s good that Japan versus the U.S. is going to be in the finals. And personally, I’ve got some friends and got some teammates over there, too, so it makes it even more special and more exciting.”