Shohei Ohtani made his pitching debut at historic Fenway Park for the Los Angeles Angels (17–10) against the Boston Red Sox (10–16) on May 5, resulting in a 8–0 victory, with 11 strike-outs in seven shutout innings.
The reigning AL MVP, Ohtani became the first pitcher to bat in one of the top four spots in a game at Fenway since Babe Ruth on Sept. 20, 1919.
“It’s one of my favorite ballparks,” said Ohtani. “I was looking forward to pitching here.”
Due to tightness in his groin, Ohtani’s start was pushed back two days—and one day after the Angels’ comeback victory in the 10th inning to beat the Red Sox 10-5. Ohtani walked in the ninth and tenth innings, and scored in the 10th as the designated hitter.
“To be honest, I was pretty fatigued,” said Ohtani. “My body was pretty tired. I tried to get to sleep as early as possible and get enough sleep and rest. I think I was able to do that.”
The game was scoreless until the seventh inning. Jared Walsh had four RBIs, including a two-run homer in the seventh to open the scoring.
The Angels then put away the game in the eighth with Ohtani’s line drive into the Green Monster; it was hit so hard that it knocked his #17 sign off the starting pitcher’s slot on the old scoreboard.
Boston’s Tanner Houck gave up a RBI single to Anthony Rendon, and Walsh added a two-run single through the shifted infield to add to the lead.
Brandon Marsh then added a solo homer in the ninth to close out the game 8–0.
The Angels will return home to for a three-game series Friday to face the Washington Nationals, with RHP Joan Adon (1-4) as the starting pitcher.
The Red Sox will remain home in a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday.
