The Los Angeles Angels played against the Oakland Athletics on Opening Day.
They had Shohei Ohtani on the mound, and everything was going smoothly for seven full innings.
The Angels were up 1-0 after Logan O’Hoppe singled off Gio Urshela in the fifth inning.
However, as it has happened many times in Ohtani’s tenure with the Angels, the team lost the lead once he left.
The usually reliable Aaron Loup conceded two runs and could get just a single out in the eighth inning, and the A’s took the lead and never looked back.
The game ended in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss for LA.
Sadly, it’s nothing new.
Well, that’s what you would usually think, only that this time the Angels managed to outdo themselves and post a negative record.
“Shohei Ohtani’s outing was the 26th since at least 1901 with 10+ strikeouts and no runs allowed on Opening Day. It’s the first time that pitcher’s team lost the game,” MLB stats expert Sarah Langs tweeted.
Shohei Ohtani’s outing was the 26th since at least 1901 with 10+ strikeouts and no runs allowed on Opening Day
it’s the first time that pitcher’s team lost the game
—Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 31, 2023
Yikes.
If the Angels are trying to convince Ohtani to stay, this is not a particularly promising start.
Ohtani tossed six scoreless frames and looked fantastic against the helpless A’s offense.
He’s granted just two hits and three walks, besides the 10 strikeouts.
It’s incredible he wasn’t able to win the game, but Loup and the offense failed him.
Let’s see how the team bounces back in the next game, but Ohtani would probably love to see a more competitive spirit, not one that drops a game to the lowly Athletics.
NEXT:
The Angels Finished Spring Training In The Best Way Possible
