via Getty
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels watches from the dugout during the fifth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
via Getty
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels watches from the dugout during the fifth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
MLB’s Opening Day has finally arrived with several stars putting their best foot forward and shining for their teams. Shohei Ohtani was one of those stars on the Opening Day, as he put on a great performance for the Los Angeles Angels. The hype surrounding the Japanese two-way star has been at an all-time high since his heroics in the World Baseball Classic.
Fans have been anxiously waiting to see him battling against MLB’s top stars once again. Ohtani did not disappoint, producing an incredible stat during the Angels’ opening game. But unfortunately, it was not enough to get the win. Fans have reacted to it and come out in support of Ohtani.
Los Angeles Angels lose season opener despite Shohei Ohtani’s incredible performance
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The Los Angeles Angels are coming off a disappointing 2022 season, where they won only 73 games. The 2023 season may be moving in a similar direction. Despite Shohei Ohtani putting up a great pitching performance, the Angels were unable to beat the Oakland Athletics. MLB’s Twitter account shared his stats in a Tweet. Ohtani pitched 6 innings and only allowed 2 hits while striking out 10 batters. This was a great pitching display, but the relievers leaked 2 runs. Furthermore, their batting lineup was unable to score more than a single run.
ShOpening Day. pic.twitter.com/fFdeJZT8s9
— MLB (@MLB) March 31, 2023
In the Tweet, MLB said, “ShOpening Day.” They also shared his pitching numbers. Despite the Angels leading when he left the mound, they were unable to win.
The Angels’ loss has caused an intense debate on Twitter, with many saying that Ohtani needs to leave.
Some fans said that Ohtani should leave the Angels.
Ohtani needs to go get out of Anaheim ASAP pic.twitter.com/46qewYLUaZ
— Schizo Abe (@Vote4PS) March 31, 2023
Ohtani is joining Aaron Judge in New York.
— Launi Rose (@launirose) March 31, 2023
Ohtani leave that team please
— Trader (@nomarllc) March 31, 2023
Others said that the Angels will be terrible despite Ohtani’s amazing play.
All this just to end up lose. Gonna be the story of the Angels’ season
— Giggsy (@GugsaChalla) March 31, 2023
Still not making the playoffs
— Mike (@itsthatboymike) March 31, 2023
And the Angels just blew the lead to leave Ohtani with little to show for a fantastic effort. Contract the Angels please, they’re awful
— Christopher (@Christo79744616) March 31, 2023
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Ohtani is out to prove himself as he heads into one of the most important years of his career. His performance in 2023 and the Angels’ results will heavily affect his free agency. If the Angels manage to make the postseason, Ohtani might consider staying, but that looks unlikely.
Shohei Ohtani will break records in free agency
Despite playing for the Los Angeles Angels, a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014, Shohei Ohtani has shined as a star. Following the 2023 season, he is going to be a free agent, with many suitors. Experts have predicted that Ohtani will earn a record-breaking contract in free agency in the ballpark of $500 million. It will be interesting to see how this season progresses and where he eventually signs.
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Watch This Story: Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer
What do you think of the Los Angeles Angels losing despite Shohei Ohtani’s top performance? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.
