Ohtani pitches Angels to skid-snapping win over Rays
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani left the mound to a standing ovation after his longest, deepest start for the Los Angeles Angels. He doffed his cap with a weary right arm, acknowledging the roars for the latest milestone in his remarkable rookie season.
The Angels already knew Ohtani had a prodigious talent. He also showed a wealth of tenacity while beating the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ohtani struck out nine while throwing 7⅔ innings of excellent six-hit ball in his seventh career start, and the Angels snapped their five-game skid with a 5-2 victory on Sunday.
Martin Maldonado homered and drove in two runs, and Zack Cozart drove in two more runs on sacrifice flies as the Angels wrapped up a disappointing 11-game homestand with only four victories — including both games started by Ohtani (4-1). The Angels are 6-1 when Ohtani starts.
Los Angeles’ rookie two-way sensation had another strong outing in the longest start of his stateside career, limiting Tampa Bay to three baserunners in his first six innings. Ohtani retired 12 straight Rays after yielding rookie Johnny Field’s homer leading off the third.
“I had a little trouble in the seventh inning, and I was happy I was able to get out of it,” Ohtani said through a translator. “I felt good, and I was glad we were able to get the win.”