It turns out Shohei Ohtani's dog can pitch, too.
On Wednesday night, the Dutch Kooikerhondje named Decoy perfectly executed the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Wearing his own Dodgers uniform, Decoy patiently waited on the pitcher's mound until Ohtani squatted at home plate. Then Decoy grabbed the ball in his mouth and ran it over to Ohtani, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Decoy then gave his owner a high-five with his paws.
Fans had flocked to the sold-out game that night, eager to get hold of a new Ohtani bobblehead, this time featuring him holding his famous dog. On his first bobblehead night in May, Ohtani, a two-time American League MVP, also drew a sellout crowd.
He continued his show during the game, smashing his 42nd home run of the season at his first at-bat as the Dodgers defeated the Baltimore Orioles 6-4.
Ohtani is a two-way phenom, excelling as both a hitter and a pitcher, but he will only be hitting this season after his second elbow operation.
In an interview after the game, he said it took three weeks for him to train Decoy for the pitch.
"I think I was more nervous for the ceremonial pitch than Decoy," Ohtani said. "But I'm glad everything went well."
