Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani got his first hit in the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday as he went 1-for-1 with a walk to help the American League beat the National League 3-2.
This is the second straight season Ohtani was chosen as a designated hitter and pitcher. Last year Ohtani was the first two-way starter in the history of the All-Star Game, which began in 1933.
The 28-year-old Japanese did not pitch this year but served as the AL's DH and leadoff man for the exhibition at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani did not compete in the Home Run Derby, held the day before the All-Star Game. He was, however, part of the All-Star festivities on the second day.
Ohtani, who pitched a perfect inning and went 0-for-2 in the 2021 Midsummer Classic, hit a first-pitch single off Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw to start the game, although he got picked off at first base by the nine-time All-Star.
Related coverage:
Baseball: Shohei Ohtani won't pitch in All-Star Game, prioritizes next start
Baseball: Yu Darvish notches 180th career victory
Baseball: Shohei Ohtani logs 4th straight start with 10 or more Ks
"I had a hard time hitting him in the regular season, so it wasn't a good hit, but it was better than nothing," Ohtani said.
"I knew I'd swing on the first pitch. I would have preferred a homer or a swinging strikeout, but it turned into a bloop single," he said.
Ohtani was walked by San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove in his second plate appearance in the third. He left for a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.
"It was all a lot of fun. I've made some good memories," said Ohtani, who put on a show in batting practice.
Ohtani is the only Japanese player selected to the All-Star rosters this year. He did not pitch Tuesday due to his tight schedule. Ohtani, who last pitched on July 13, is slated to pitch Friday against the Atlanta Braves.
The AL has now won nine straight All-Star games and is 47-43-2 all-time against the NL.
