The matchup between Japanese stars Shintaro Fujinami and Shohei Ohtani highlighted the Oakland Athletics’ loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Tuesday’s spring training game. The two pitchers had previously faced each other in Japan’s famed Koshien high school baseball tournament, and the matchup drew a larger-than-usual media presence, including 40 members of Japanese media.
Making his A’s debut, Fujinami started off strong, striking out David Fletcher to open the game. His fastball clocked in at 97 mph, with splitters up to 92 mph and some sliders mixed in. But the second inning was less successful, as Fujinami walked the first three batters to load the bases. He managed to survive the inning, however, with a strikeout and double-play. His final line: 2IP, 1H, 0R, 3BB, 3K.
Ohtani also looked sharp, throwing 2 1/3 hitless innings. His fastball reached as high as 98 mph and he had two walks, two strikeouts. Jace Peterson blasted a three-run home run for the A’s lone lead of the game, but Oakland lost 11-5.
Though the A’s may have lost the game, one thing is certain: Fujinami is sure to turn heads this season with the A’s. His electric fastball and occasional slider make him a force to be reckoned with. Though his command wasn’t perfect Tuesday, he showed flashes of brilliance that could make him a star in the big leagues. Combined with Ohtani’s dominant performance, the Fujinami vs. Ohtani matchup was a treat for fans of both Japanese and American baseball.
