“Pretty Satisfied” – Shohei Ohtani Reflects on First Game of the 2022 Season

The LA Angels have a world-beater in their ranks in Shohei Ohtani. And with the superstar in their ranks, they have doubtless set their eyes on the World Series in 2022. Not one to fall too far behind, Ohtani is looking ahead with an intent to build from here. The superstar started from the mound and was the Angels’ lead-off hitter in the encounter and will only improve as the season goes along.

Having captured the AL MVP trophy in 2021, Shohei Ohtani will now have his eyes on 2022. With the star coming through on several occasions last season, he could be setting up for a deep postseason run that Angels fans have been clamoring for. Also, this year seems to be the opportunity to do that. With a tandem of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani at the fore, the Angels could be well set up for a title challenge.

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Shohei Ohtani reflects on his first outing in 2022

Taking on the Houston Astros in their home stadium to start the season, the Angels were unfortunate to come off with a 3-1 loss. With Ohtani starting proceedings from the mound as well as the bat in hand, there seemed to be some rhythm he would need to get into. Also, his post-match press conference spoke about just that as he took the mic. Speaking through his interpreter, Ohtani appeared calm but slightly disappointed with the Angels’ first outing.

Specifically, Ohtani seemed disappointing in his performance from home plate. Usually boasting a solid hitting record, Ohtani returned to the dugout with a 0 for 4 in the game; failing to contribute too much with the bat. Said Ohtani, “I had a chance in my last at-bat to tie the game but couldn’t come through so a little disappointing.”

Even personally, Ohtani seemed to think this was not a true showing in terms of the skill that he had. “In my last at-bat I thought we had a minor chance to lead but just got a little bit under it. But overall, pretty satisfied with how I felt with the play even though the results weren’t there so just trying to get ready for tomorrow,” he added.

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Does his pitching need improvement?

However, he seemed calmer about his showing from the mound. He was nevertheless, unhappy with his showing, but seemed slightly calmer about it all the same. Said Ohtani, “On the pitching side, I felt like my pitch count was up too high so I couldn’t stay in the game long enough.”

Speaking more pointedly about the deliveries that he pitched over his innings, Ohtani seemed fairly open about it. “I thought I could’ve been a lot better. I thought I was all over the place but felt good about my fastball, and my slider and my curveball,” he added.

Ohtani though seemed comfortable with the progress they were making. Said Ohtani, “It’s gonna be a long season and we don’t know how things are going to play into it but I’ll just try to pick my spots and go hard.”

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But how well do you think the Angels will do this season? Do you think they could make it to the postseason? Or do you think this will end in another regular-season showing for the Anaheim outfit?