Shohei Ohtani’s first inning feat cemented status as most complete player

In Monday’s game for the LA Angels, Shohei Ohtani once again did what was thought to be the impossible.

He pitched a scoreless top of the first inning with a leadoff strikeout, hit a single to drive in David Fletcher for an RBI, stole a base, and then scored a run himself.

Ohtani is now the first pitcher to get all three of the hit, stolen base, and RBI in the same game in an AL stadium since Luis Tiant did it in 1970.

Shohei Ohtani continues to rewrite the record books in his dominance for the LA Angels this season.

It feels like Shohei Ohtani is breaking the rules of baseball every night now for the LA Angels. I thought his first half was good enough, but it clearly wasn’t enough for Ohtani.

He truly can impact a game through one inning more than I ever thought I’d see from anyone.

Also, look at how the hit actually went down. It wasn’t even one of those laser shots that Ohtani hits on a regular basis. He continues to have enough strength to the point where he can even break his bat on a ball he didn’t elevate at all and get himself a solid base knock.

Ohtani went on to pitch seven great innings without walking a batter. It’s the third time he’s pitched without walking anybody, and he only gave up one run.

He now has a team-high 14 stolen bases, which is also a career-high. The next closest Angel is David Fletcher with five stolen bases.