Page 22 - ARUBA TODAY

A22 SPORTS
Tuesday 27 February 2018
Ohtani has RBI single, 2 walks

in debut at plate for Angels

By BERNIE WILSON strike zones between Ja- it through his scheduled
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Two- pan and the States," Ohtani two innings against Milwau-
way star Shohei Ohtani had said. "I felt like I kind of ac- kee.
a much better big league complished that plus I just Ohtani said he wasn't ner-
debut as a hitter than he wanted to be aggressive vous.
did as a pitcher. on the first pitch." "Actually, it felt really natu-
After patiently drawing After his single, Ohtani was ral going into my first at-
walks in his first two plate lifted for a pinch-runner bat. I was able to see the
appearances, Ohtani hit a and received a nice round ball really well," he said.
sharp RBI single up the mid- of applause from the fans "I was able to see a lot of
dle in his first spring training at Peoria Stadium, which pitches, so that was really
start as a designated hitter was less than half full. good. I just want to keep
for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani saw 11 pitches it going. I'm seeing the ball
"I was happy to get that his first two times up and pretty well so hopefully I
first hit out of the way but I swung at only two. can have better at-bats to-
was also happy with my first Batting second, he fell morrow."
two at-bats," the 23-year- behind 0-2 against right- Ohtani is trying to become
old said through a transla- hander Jordan Lyles before the first player in nearly 100
tor after getting on base drawing four straight balls years to play regularly as a
three times against three in the first inning. He ad- pitcher and hitter. Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani avoids an inside pitch during
different San Diego Padres vanced on David Fletcher's Asked if hitting is ahead of the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the
pitchers. "I got to see a lot single and was erased on his pitching, he said: "I think San Diego Padres, Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, in Peoria, Ariz.
of pitches and I got to face Martin Maldonado's inning- this goes for almost any Associated Press
a righty and a lefty. I felt like ending double play. player, I think my hitting is
I put together pretty good Ohtani walked again in the always ahead of my pitch- international bonus money league pitchers can ex-
at-bats the first two walks." third against lefty Buddy ing at this point of the year, from the Angels. ploit the strike zone and hit
That's why the lefty-hitting Bauman and took second just like any other year." Ohtani likely could have re- their spots, "right now it's
phenom was able to be on a wild pitch, beating Ohtani spent five seasons ceived a deal worth more really just get your feet on
aggressive in his third at- the throw with an awkward with the Nippon Ham Fight- than $100 million if he had the ground, seeing some
bat, when he hit the first slide. ers before signing with waited two years to move velocity," Scioscia said.
pitch he saw from righty The Angels lost 10-4 as the the Angels as an interna- stateside, but he wasn't "That's three good at-bats
Michael Mariot for a single Padres hit five home runs, tional free agent on Dec. interested in delaying his for Shoehei."
that brought in Eric Young including an inside-the- 10. The Angels paid a $20 progress for money. Scioscia said there's a
Jr., who had doubled with parker by Franchy Cordero. million posting fee to the "He saw the ball really well," chance Ohtani could bat
one out. Ohtani's first Cactus Ham Fighters. Ohtani, who manager Mike Scioscia again on Tuesday when
"One of the reasons why I League at-bats came two will be under the Angels' said. "I definitely like the the Angels face Colorado
was able to see so many days after his first start on contractual control for two walks. It was a good at Salt River Fields. Scioscia
pitches in the first two at- the mound. The Japa- six years, signed a minor day for Shohei." said Ohtani will pitch again
bats was I just wanted to nese newcomer allowed a league contract and can As much as Ohtani needs on Friday, maybe in a B
feel the difference in the home run and didn't make receive up to $2,315,000 in to understand how big game.q

Sounders' Jordan Morris out

for season with knee injury

pects Morris to have sur- appeared ready for a re- Cup.
gery in the next few weeks bound season after a solid "He had come back from
once the swelling subsides. showing during U.S. nation- the hamstring issue and
Lagerwey wants Morris to al team camp in January. been healthy for a couple
fully recover and therefore Morris was hurt last Thursday of months and had been
will not rush to get him back in the 85th minute of Seat- playing better and bet-
late in the season. tle's round of 16 matchup ter. ... We really felt good
"We think he is a Sounder against Santa Tecla. Morris about him and felt he was
Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer talks after the
soccer team's practice Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, in Tukwila, Wash. for the long term, he is in crumpled to the turf after in good form," Lagerwey
Associated Press the organizations long-term taking an awkward step said.
plans," Lagerwey said. while trying to chip over the Lagerwey said Seattle
By TIM BOOTH knee came during last After a dynamic rookie goalkeeper. The Sounders won't rush into finding a re-
AP Sports Writer week's CONCACAF Cham- season in 2016 when he lost 2-1, with the return leg placement for Morris — the
TUKWILA, Wash. (AP) — Se- pions League matchup helped Seattle win its first this week in Seattle. club has options with Clint
attle Sounders forward Jor- against El Salvador's Santa MLS Cup title, Morris' ca- The injury also extends to Dempsey, Will Bruin and La-
dan Morris will miss the 2018 Tecla. reer has dipped largely be- the national team. Morris is mar Neagle.
MLS season because of a General manager Garth cause of injuries. He missed one of the prominent op- But this wasn't a position
torn knee ligament. Lagerwey said Monday much of Seattle's run to last tions at forward for a team Lagerwey expected to
The tear to his anterior cru- initial tests appear to show year's league final because that is rebuilding after fail- fill on the cusp of the MLS
ciate ligament in his right no further damage. He ex- of an ailing hamstring. He ing to qualify for the World season.q