Sports

Shohei Ohtani Calls the MLB All-Star Game a 'Fun and Refreshing' Experience

The Los Angeles Angels superstar, who batted in the first and fourth innings, struck out and walked in the 93rd MLB All-Star Game at Seattle's T-Mobile Park.

Published

10 months ago

July 12, 2023

Ed Odeven

Shohei Ohtani bats in the fourth inning of the 2023 MLB All-Star Game on July 11 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. (Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY SPORTS)

Read the full story on SportsLook - Shohei Ohtani Calls the MLB All-Star Game a 'Fun and Refreshing' Experience

Shohei Ohtani enjoyed his experience as the American League's starting designated hitter in the 93rd MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 11.

Appearing in his third consecutive All-Star Game, the fan favorite said each Midsummer Classic has been a different experience for him.

"It's definitely refreshing every time," the Los Angeles Angels superstar told reporters at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. "[I was] not as nervous as my first time. It gets less nervous every time I make the All-Star team. But it's definitely fun and refreshing."

The National League defeated the American League 3-2. Elias Diaz (Colorado Rockies) belted a game-winning, two-run home run off Felix Bautista (Baltimore Orioles) in the top of the eighth inning. As a result, the NL halted a nine-game losing streak in the All-Star Game.

Batting second in the AL lineup, Ohtani whiffed on National League starter Zac Gallen's 3-2 knuckle curve in the first inning. The slugger from Iwate Prefecture took a big swing and said later he was aiming to hit a home run.

In his only other plate appearance, Ohtani walked to lead off the fourth inning. After tossing a knuckle curve with his first pitch, which Ohtani hit foul, Alex Cobb (San Franciso Giants) then served up an alternating mix of split-finger fastballs and sinkers. Ohtani advanced to second on a wild pitch and moved to third on a flyout. He was stranded at third, however, with the score tied 1-1.

Ohtani Impressed By Passion of Mariners Fans

Ohtani, the subject of intense speculation regarding his future plans, complimented Seattle's fans.

"Every time I come here the fans are passionate, they're really into the game," said Ohtani, who leads MLB with 32 home runs. "So it's very impressive. I actually spent a couple off-seasons in Seattle. So I like the city. It's beautiful."

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and Twitter ＠ed_odeven.