Ohtani to start World Series Game 7 against Scherzer

Shohei Ohtani to Start Game 7 of World Series for Dodgers Against Blue Jays

The highly anticipated Game 7 of the World Series is just around the corner, and baseball fans are in for a treat as two-way star Shohei Ohtani is set to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays. This decision by the Dodgers to start Ohtani in such a crucial game showcases their confidence in his abilities as both a pitcher and a hitter.

Ohtani’s dual role as a pitcher and designated hitter has been a game-changer for the Dodgers, especially with the new rule adopted for the 2022 season. This rule allows pitchers who start games in the batting order to remain in the game as a designated hitter after leaving the mound. By starting Ohtani, the Dodgers can maximize his impact on both sides of the ball without losing their designated hitter if he were to start the game as a DH and then take the mound.

Although Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his MLB career, he has shown his pitching prowess in the past, including closing out Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final. In the current World Series, Ohtani has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate, batting .318 with three home runs, five RBIs, and eight walks. On the mound, he is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA, striking out six and walking one in his Game 4 start.

On the opposing side, Max Scherzer is set to start for the Blue Jays, making him only the fourth pitcher in history to start multiple winner-take-all Game 7s. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, last started a World Series Game 7 in 2019, where he battled through discomfort to lead his team to victory.

As the stage is set for this epic showdown between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays, baseball fans can expect a thrilling and intense Game 7. Stay tuned for all the action and excitement as Ohtani and Scherzer take the mound in this high-stakes game.

For more MLB updates, visit https://apnews.com/hub/mlb.