The second day of the MLB All-Star Game featured a matchup between the American League and the National League. Starting this year, there was a major rule change that in the event of a tie at the end of the 9th inning, three players from both leagues would be selected and the game would be settled in a home run derby.
We had hoped that the game would go to the 9th inning with a tie, but unfortunately the American League won.
Shohei Ohtani entered the game as the No. 1 DH and hit the first pitch from selected pitcher Kershaw back to center field. However, he was thrown out on a ground ball.
Apparently, it was the first time in several years that he was checked out in an All-Star Game.
When Shohei Ohtani's name was called, the audience cheered loudly. Just before his first at-bat, he had declared that he would take a full swing from the first pitch, and Kershaw responded with a straight up pitch.
Ohtani was checked out and smiled bitterly.
In the second at-bat, he chose to hit a ball for a walk, and even on a big stage, he calmly watched the ball. The TV commentators praised his composure.
Before the game, there was the annual red carpet show, and Shohei Ohtani appeared in a formal suit, which is not usually seen.
Before his second at bat, he was seen signing autographs for children of Angels fans.
This is a sight you would never see at an ordinary game, so it is a highlight of the All-Star season. The boy who received the autograph was overjoyed with a gut-punch. The surrounding audience applauded.
During the red carpet show, there was also an interview, which attracted the most attention among the all-star players.
On standing up to bat first, he said, "I'm not nervous. I want to take a full swing from the first pitch. He also said that the other players' fashions were stylish.
He said that he rarely has a chance to wear a suit because he wears only jerseys in his private life.
Shohei Otani does not usually take batting practice, but he unusually took part in pre-game batting practice and hit several balls over the fence.