Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Pushes Back, “Pitching Isn’t Affecting My Hitting” | ドジャース 大谷翔平

Shohei, first let's just start with, you've talked about wanting to get into the 7th inning.For you to just navigate through them, be very efficient, how did you find just what was working for you and how you were able to get deeper into this game today?

The hits were homers, so in that sense it was efficient, but something that wasn't ideal.

What do you think led to the two hits that were the homers?Did you think it was location?Was it execution?

Just really mislocated through to the area, completely opposite of where I was intending to.If the execution was better, I think it wouldn't have been a homer, but they also put good swings as well.

You've been very clear about wanting to do what's best for the team and whatever the team decides, but is it hard at all in a tight game like this to not be able to affect it on the offensive side?

I think if I focus on pitching, I can get better results for the team.If I'm in a good condition, I want to be able to pitch.I think that's the first thing I need to do.

But I understand in a situation where, hey, just focus on pitching, you know, turn the page on the hitting.I understand that the team is, you know, might think like that.

Offensively, and do you think the return to full -time pitching might have played a role?Maybe the slump being a little bit longer than usual for you?

I don't think that's the case.Of course, there are times when we fall.It's not good to go in while looking for good and bad points.But I don't think that's why we don't get a lot of hits.I think we need a good swing to get a good result when we're in play.

Yeah, I think, I don't think so personally that the pitching has been affecting my hitting.But at the same time, it has been a little bit longer than my expectation in terms of the hitting side of things.So, you know, I've been getting on base, which is a good thing.I just want to make sure that the quality of balls in play are better.And, you know, it's not ideal that I'm trying to find that in the game.but I just have to continue to do what I'm supposed to do.