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 prodigious talent. He also showed a wealth of tenacity while beating the Tampa Bay Rays.
Photo: AP
Ohtani on Sunday struck out nine while throwing 7-2/3 innings of excellent six-hit ball in his seventh career start as the Angels snapped their five-game skid with a 5-2 victory.
Martin Maldonado homered and drove in two runs, while 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 runners 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.”
Indeed, Ohtani demonstrated his resilience late on.
He kept Tampa Bay scoreless in the seventh despite yielding two singles and he gave up a run while battling for two more outs in the eighth.
“That’s a great sign, to throw 110 pitches and maintain your stuff,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “Shohei showed a lot of what he’s about. That’s what makes him so special.”
While Ohtani went long, reliever Sergio Romo made a short start for Tampa Bay for the second consecutive day.
He faced the Angels’ first six batters and got four outs while becoming the first pitcher in 38 years to last at least one inning in back-to-back starts.
Romo gave way to Matt Andriese (1-2), who gave up two unearned runs in the fourth after making an error on Andrelton Simmons’ grounder back to the mound.
Albert Pujols got the day off for the Angels, whose week-long struggles continued at the plate.
Los Angeles still managed to hold a 3-1 lead after five innings, despite getting just one hit — which did not factor into any of the runs.
After Justin Anderson escaped the eighth-inning jam, Blake Parker pitched the ninth for his second save in two opportunities.
Matt Duffy had three hits for the Rays, whose six-game winning streak ended in the finale of an 11-game road trip.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely