Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a double in the third inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani sets Statcast record with scorching double

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 4/10/22

Shohei Ohtani is wasting no time getting off to a hot start in the 2022 season. In fact, he needed just three games to a set a Statcast record.

Ohtani ripped a double in Sunday’s game that had an exit velocity of 119.1 mph. Not only is that the hardest-hit ball of Ohtani’s career, but it’s also an exit velocity record for a left-handed hitter.

119.1 MPH EV from Shohei Ohtani, the new record by a LHH in the Statcast era. pic.twitter.com/yMhMv9PpAt

— Baseball GIFs (@gifs_baseball) April 10, 2022

Ohtani actually hit it too hard, in a sense. The ball bounced into the stands for a ground-rule double, which probably cost the Angels a run.

The reigning AL MVP looks poised for another big season at the plate, and he struck out nine in just 4.2 innings on Opening Day while on the mound. No wonder even opponents are left stunned by him.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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