The Boston Red Sox only had to deal with Shohei Ohtani on the mound for two innings on Monday thanks to a rain delay in the third inning. And it’s hard to imagine that anyone was happier for that delay than the Red Sox hitters.
After all, Ohtani was looking absolutely dominant.
The Angels two-way star struck out three batters in those two innings and didn’t allow a hit. Boston’s lone run off him came from a fielder’s choice. Judging from what Ohtani was throwing on Monday, it was easy to see why the Red Sox were overmatched.
Ohtani’s sweeper was taking on a life of its own.
Shohei Ohtani's Ridiculous Sweepers (up to 20" of horizontal break) 😲 pic.twitter.com/BndlZU27gs
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 17, 2023
In the short outing, Ohtani threw 18 sweepers. Half of those pitches had horizontal breaks of at least 16 inches and the three pitches above broke an astounding 20 inches.
When you have to face that pitch and also account for a triple-digit fastball, it seems nearly impossible to get a hit off Ohtani. No wonder MLB fans were stunned with the pitches Ohtani unleashed on Monday.
The Red Sox really didn’t stand a chance.
This was how Twitter reacted
What a gross pitch this is. https://t.co/x7yFXkY2S7
— Art from Friends at the Table (@atebbel) April 17, 2023
This honestly looks like it should be about 10MPH slower and coming from a side armer. Ridiculous. https://t.co/ZMvLMfE51Z
— Woody (@StatJockWoody) April 17, 2023
I honestly say this with no irony, ill intent, sarcasm, or critique:
I’ve been a baseball coach for the past decade, and I have ZERO clue how you’re supposed to hit this. Especially considering how his fastball also sits 98-101. https://t.co/O4wCF4bORh
— Andy Burkett (@CoachABurkett) April 17, 2023
I repeat… this man is unreal 😤😤 https://t.co/w6wxs4MXdT
— 🇧🇿Stefan Smith🇧🇿 (@laker72289) April 17, 2023
Laws of physics? We don't need no stinkin' laws of physics! https://t.co/xJsdtisIsC
— Steven Sandor (@stevensandor) April 17, 2023
COME ON SERIOUSLY https://t.co/ByiW6Wh8mC
— luke's guy walker (@oldtwiz) April 17, 2023
Best Pitcher and Player in the game right now. Insane how good his stuff is. https://t.co/bxTsbBSQZR
— LFGM2023 (@CNJRunner) April 17, 2023
How are you supposed to hit this ? https://t.co/34hr7dZy3Y
— kobe (@wavegodbouz) April 17, 2023
randomly adding a sweeping curveball to his arsenal like he did that sinker last season. https://t.co/CgGy0Inosy
— 🪦🦇 (@DEADMAN_pt3) April 17, 2023
Physics does not apply to Ohtani, apparently.
