Kodai Senga, the New York Mets’ Japanese right-hander, recently faced Shohei Ohtani for the first time in Major League Baseball. Their matchup was a highly anticipated event, drawing attention from fans and media alike. Despite the excitement surrounding the encounter, Senga maintained a composed and professional demeanor, focusing on the game rather than the spectacle.
When asked about the experience of facing Ohtani, Senga downplayed the significance of the moment, stating, “I don’t get caught up in that type of moment. It was a good night for baseball. They presented themselves well.” He acknowledged the added atmosphere of Japanese Heritage Night at Citi Field, which coincided with the game, noting that it provided him with some extra motivation. However, Senga emphasized that his primary focus was on executing his pitches and contributing to his team’s success.
Prior to their MLB encounter, Senga and Ohtani had faced each other multiple times in Japan. Senga remarked, “I’ve faced him a few times in Japan and I was excited to face him here.” He expressed admiration for Ohtani’s exceptional skills, describing him as “a very special player.” Senga highlighted Ohtani’s impressive exit velocity and hitting prowess, noting that these attributes were evident both in Japan and in the U.S.
In their first MLB matchup, Senga and Ohtani faced each other three times. In the initial at-bat, Senga issued four pitches outside the strike zone, resulting in a walk for Ohtani. Senga’s strategy was to entice Ohtani to chase pitches outside the zone, demonstrating his tactical approach to pitching. Later in the game, Ohtani delivered a 115 mph double, showcasing his formidable batting skills. Despite these challenges, Senga managed to navigate through the innings, striking out 10 batters over 6.2 innings. He concluded the game with a walk to Ohtani, reflecting the competitive nature of their encounters.
Senga’s performance against Ohtani underscored his resilience and adaptability on the mound. While Ohtani’s abilities as a hitter are well-documented, Senga’s approach to the game highlights the importance of strategy, focus, and professionalism in facing elite opponents. As the Mets continue their season, Senga’s experience against Ohtani will undoubtedly serve as a valuable reference point for future matchups.
Looking ahead, the Mets are scheduled to face the Dodgers in a four-game series starting on Monday, June 2, 2025. This series presents another opportunity for Senga to showcase his skills and for fans to witness high-level baseball.
