Shohei Ohtani pitched a shutout for four innings against Italy to help Japan reach the World Baseball Classic semi-finals.
Japan faced Italy on Thursday, March 16, in the quarter-finals. According to MLB.com, the team got the scoring started in the third inning with four runs. Ultimately, they defeated Italy 9-3.
According to CBS Sports, Ohtani threw his fastest pitch on record at 102 miles per hour. He threw 71 pitches and finished with two runs allowed in 4 2/3 innings.
The team will face Mexico in the semi-finals on Monday, March 20. The final will be held the next day. Ohtani recently stated that he would not pitch if the team make it past Mexico and into the final.
“I don’t think there’s a chance of me starting, but of course I’d like to prepare to pitch in relief,” Ohtani said in Japanese to reporters, according to The Los Angeles Times. “That will depend on my physical condition. Up to this point, the team has really listened to my selfish requests and there are many things I’m doing that they have tolerated.
“This is the end of the end. From here, I’d like to have a discussion with my body and make a decision.”
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