Shohei Ohtani's first game back pitching after two seasons revealed a more serious side of him. While he threw impressive speeds reaching 100.2 mph, his control was lacking, resulting in a run charged against him. He expressed heightened nerves and a pressure-driven performance compared to his hitting. This emotional intensity when pitching reflects his determination but also a struggle with command. Ohtani's focus on pitching as work as opposed to enjoying hitting contributed to this difference in demeanor on the mound.
My arm was moving a little too fast, so pitches were going more to the glove side than I anticipated.
I was more nervous than when I'm just a hitter.
Ohtani the pitcher, they learned, isn't as playful as Ohtani the hitter. He snarls. He barks.
I wanted to be a dominant pitcher, and I think I tried to put too much pressure on myself.
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