Introduction to Hernandez Column
The Dodgers’ chances of winning the World Series have been a topic of discussion, with Hernandez’s column providing insight into the team’s performance. Shohei Ohtani, a key player, has been under scrutiny after the team’s 6-2 defeat in Game 4 of the World Series.
Ohtani’s Performance in Game 4
Shohei Ohtani wore the same mask of calm that he always wears. He spoke with detachment, as he often does. By the time Ohtani walked into the interview room at Dodger Stadium after his team’s 6-2 defeat in Game 4 of the World Series, however, he was already devising his redemption. “Of course, I’d like to prepare to be available for every game in case I’m needed,” Ohtani said in Japanese. Ohtani wants to pitch again in this World Series. He wants to pitch again, even after he was saddled with the loss on Tuesday night by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Pitching Again in the World Series
He wants to pitch again, even after the physical demands of reaching base nine times in an 18-inning victory the previous night clearly diminished him on the mound. If Ohtani pitches, he would almost certainly pitch in relief. Pitching in middle relief doesn’t make sense for Ohtani, considering that when he departs the game as a pitcher, rules would require the Dodgers to play him in the outfield or lose him as a hitter for the remainder of the game. They might as well use him as a closer, and they might as well use him in a World Series clincher, either in Game 6 or 7.
Ohtani’s Mindset
This is who Ohtani is. This is what he does. He won’t let the disappointment of his World Series pitching debut scare him away from pursuing another dream. He isn’t afraid of failure. Game 4 was a failure. The six-hour 39-minute game the Dodgers played the night before offered Ohtani cover. He reached base a record nine times. He homered twice and doubled twice. His leg cramped at some point. He went to sleep at 2 a.m. But Ohtani didn’t take any of the excuses that were offered to him. “I have no plans of saying the game yesterday was this or that,” he said.
Analysis of Ohtani’s Play
The truth was revealed in his play. Ohtani looked exhausted. He sweated profusely and looked as if he might be dehydrated. He looked, well, human. His fastball uncharacteristically never touched 100 mph, but he pitched well for the most part. His only notable mistake was an elevated sweeper he threw in the third inning to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that was deposited over the left-field wall for a two-run home run. Ohtani struck out the side in the fourth inning, as well as the first batter he faced in the fifth. Manager Dave Roberts said that pitching coach Mark Prior approached Ohtani in the sixth innings and asked him how much he had left. “He said he had three more innings,” Roberts said.
Conclusion
Ohtani couldn’t make it out of the seventh inning. In fact, he couldn’t even record an out in the seventh, starting the inning by giving up a single to Daulton Varsho and a double to Ernie Clement. With Ohtani clearly gassed, Roberts called in Anthony Banda, who allowed the two inherited runners to score. Ohtani’s final line: Six innings, four runs, six hits, a walk and six strikeouts. He said his goal was to pitch seven innings. Instead of moping over the setback, Ohtani has started eyeing his next boundary-pushing maneuver: To be a leadoff hitter and high-leverage reliever in the same game. The World Series is now tied, two games apiece. The fixation Ohtani has with finding new methods to win games could be why the Dodgers finish as champions again.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of Game 4 of the World Series?
A: The Dodgers lost 6-2 to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Q: How did Ohtani perform in Game 4?
A: Ohtani pitched six innings, allowing four runs, six hits, a walk, and six strikeouts. He also went hitless in four at-bats.
Q: What is Ohtani’s goal for the remainder of the World Series?
A: Ohtani wants to pitch again and be available for every game, possibly as a closer or high-leverage reliever.
Q: What is the current state of the World Series?
A: The series is tied 2-2, with the Dodgers and Blue Jays each having won two games.
