'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Shohei Ohtani started the 2022 All-Star Game with a bang before his luck turned against him. The Los Angeles Angels star was the lead-off hitter for the National League and strode to the plate with all the confidence in the world.
Shohei Ohtani called his shot in his interview just prior to the at-bat, saying that he would swing on the first pitch. And swing he did, recording the first hit of the game. The MLB uploaded a clip of the interview and hit to Twitter.
Unfortunately, Clayton Kershaw turned the tables on Shohei Ohtani just a few pitches later. The Los Angeles Dodgers were quick to post a video of the end result of Ohtani's hit to Twitter.
Trending
This brilliant moment kicked off the 2022 All-Star game as the two superstars engaged in a mental battle. Fans loved the confidence that was on display from the reigning American League MVP.
There were some who criticized Kershaw for throwing a pickoff at the All-Star game, but it's all about the competition.
It certainly appears that Shohei Ohtani was considering stealing second base, so the pitcher was very smart to catch him.
Ohtani may have recorded the first hit of the game, but his advancement on the bases was still ended by Kershaw. This greatly amused fans who initially praised Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw put on a show at the All-Star game
The hit was the first that the Los Angeles Angels phenom had ever recorded off Clayton Kershaw, but the Dodgers pitcher still got the last laugh. But this did nothing to take away from how impressive the hit and prediction was. It also did little to dampen fans' love for Ohtani.
Moments like these are what make this game so much fun. It's not often that you get to see two superstars face off against each other.
Nobody could have predicted this at the start of the All-Star game. These two players are among the best at what they do in the MLB and seeing them battle on such a big stage was special.
The 2022 All-Star game could be looked back on as one of the best of all-time. The perfect start was a huge reason.
