WATCH: Shohei Ohtani Marks His Return to Form in Style Snagging 2 Home Runs and a Bat-Flip

Shohei Ohtani had a less than ideal start to his season when it came to batting. He was gone 0 for 4 in his Opening Day game from home plate; the games didn’t see him grow into form either. That was until he walked out against the Texas Rangers on Friday, where the 2021 AL MVP showed true to his batting form and slugged 2 home runs to seal the game. The Angels eventually went on to win the encounter 6-9. Ohtani accounted for 3 from the Angels’ tally, signaling what can only be acclaimed as a return to form for the superstar.

Ohtani is one of the most recognized and skilled operators in the game, and he proved just how he built that reputation when he took home plate against the rangers. With two power strikes to put the game behind them, Ohtani remains one of the key pieces of the Angels’ puzzle. With him starting to hit form and operating in tandem with Mike Trout this season, could their hitting finally carry them to a post-season?

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Shohei Ohtani homers twice

The Angels field Ohtani a majority of the time as a DH, especially when he isn’t starting on the mound. Despite failing to register any solid showings this season, Ohtani came to the fore in this game. Taking home plate against Matt Bush to start the game, Ohtani wasted no time as he cleared the field in his first swing.

Taking Matt Bush to the cleaners, Ohtani crushed the Opening pitch of the game. Taking the hit deep for 407 feet hit, the homer bought up Ohtani’s 5th career leadoff home run.

Sporting the iconic #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson on the day, Ohtani was on fire for the game as he wasn’t just done after his 1st innings heroics. Taking to the home plate again in the 5th innings, Ohtani came to the fore with a vengeance for games past where he had failed to make a mark with the bat.

Swinging the bat, like only Ohtani could, he caught another pitch to dispatch it 415 feet; and as he bought the Angels closer to the then leading Rangers, the showboat Ohtani reared his head. Ohtani flipped his bat as he moved to first base as the hitter rounded out his home runs for the day.

Ohtani basks in glory

The 2022 season has seen Ohtani underperform as a hitter boasting an unimpressive slash of .172/.200/.241 before this encounter. However, with this performance, he saw his tally pickup to .219/.242/.469. It is a record that more accurately reflects his capabilities.

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But how do you see this playing out? Is Ohtani on track for another MVP caliber season? Or do you think the season will see him falter?