Shohei's Go-Ahead Hit Sets the Tone in Toronto!

First Inning Was Already Wild

Man, I was screaming at my TV the whole time during today's Toronto game.

First inning, Gausman couldn't throw a single strike to Shohei. All four pitches were balls. I was like, "Come on Gausman, you don't have to be THAT scared of him" — but honestly, that just shows how intimidating Shohei is up there. Leadoff walk, and I'm thinking, "Alright, we're rolling today."

That Go-Ahead RBI in the 3rd Was Pure Gold

Then came the 3rd inning. Runners on base, Shohei steps up, and BOOM — a 105 mph line drive for a go-ahead RBI single! THIS is what I'm talking about! That's what a cleanup hitter does — delivers when it counts. I literally screamed "YESSSSS!" at the TV, neighbors be damned. He laid off a splitter on the first pitch, then crushed a fastball on the second. When your pitch recognition is that sharp, these kinds of at-bats happen.

After that, Will Smith's fielder's choice added another run, then Freeland drove in a run in the 5th to make it 3-0. This kind of game calls for another beer!

The Splitter Barrage Was Tough

He went hitless in the 5th and 7th, but hey, it happens. In the 5th, Gausman threw three straight splitters and got him — even when you know it's coming, that pitch is brutal. An 86 mph flyout, just got overpowered a bit. In the 7th, he was sitting pretty at 3-1, then popped up a sweeper... 42-degree launch angle at 72 mph, totally got under that one. I let out a groan on that one. But look, he reached base multiple times today, so it's all good.

The Intentional Walk in the 9th Says It All

9th inning, two outs, runners on first and second, Shohei comes up and they give him the intentional walk. I mean, of course they did — if I were the manager, no way I'm pitching to him either. Going toe-to-toe with Shohei's power in that situation? Way too scary. That's the ultimate sign of respect right there. Then Tucker came through with a clutch RBI single to make it 4-1 — dagger! The whole team was clicking today.

Shohei's Day in a Nutshell

Five plate appearances: a walk, an RBI single, two outs, and an intentional walk. His presence was way bigger than the numbers show. The opponent didn't want to pitch to him from the very first inning, and when they gave him a chance in the 3rd, he made them pay. That's what a cleanup hitter does. Dodgers win 4-1, feels great! Do it again tomorrow, Shohei!