Ohtani’s 30Th HR Rallies Angels to 3-2 Victory Over Yankees

Ohtani’s 30Th HR Rallies Angels to 3-2 Victory Over Yankees

ANAHEIM–Shohei Ohtani became the first player in major league history to hit 30 home runs and record 10 pitching wins in the same season as the Los Angeles Angels rallied for a 3–2 victory over the New York Yankees on Aug. 31.

Ohtani’s three-run shot to center off a 97.9 mph fastball by Gerrit Cole (10-7) in the sixth put the Angels on top after they had been held to two hits the first five innings.

This was the third consecutive time that the AL MVP had gone deep in each of the four previous games.

The Japanese two-way phenom went 5 for 11 with two homers and five RBIs in the three game series against the Yankees and AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees in Anaheim, Aug. 31, 2022. (Ashley Landis/ AP Photo)

The New York slugger, who was 4 for 7, had two hits in his at-bats. He did however draw two walks.

Patrick Sandoval (5-29) threw seven strikeouts and gave up two runs over seven innings. This was his second win in three consecutive starts.

Jimmy Herget got his fifth save. He struck out Josh Donaldson, Gleyber Torres, and Judge to start the ninth. Oswaldo Cabrera was able to ground out to Andrew Velazquez, shortstop, to conclude the game. This gave the Angels their fifth victory in six games.

The Yankees entered August with the AL’s best record and an 11 1/2 game lead in the AL East, but went 10-18 during the month with minus-12 run differential.

New York holds a six-game advantage over Tampa Bay, and will be entering a three-game series against the Rays on Friday.

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Cole grew up near Newport Beach and had a winning streak of seven games against his boyhood teams before he lost to them for the first time since 2006 at Angel Stadium.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Aug. 31, 2022. (Ashley Landis/ AP Photo)

The right-hander could not overcome the Yankees’ mistakes in the sixth.

David Fletcher climbed aboard with an infield hit and moved to second after Josh Donaldson threw the bag. Mike Trout was then reached by Isiah Kner-Falefa, who hit a grounder.

Ohtani was close to scoring a run in the first inning. Aaron Hicks, center fielder, jumped at the wall to grab it and got Cole’s pitch with a count of 2-0 to get the bases cleared.

Ohtani, who is also the first Japanese-born player to hit at least 30 home runs in consecutive seasons, pumped his fist while rounding first base.

Cole lasted seven innings, allowing three earned runs and six hits. He also had four strikeouts.

The Yankees only had one hit in their first four innings, before breaking through with the fifth.

Donaldson opened the game with a double down left field after Matt Duffy’s ball landed in his glove.

Donaldson moved up to third after a wild pitch. Gleyber Torres scored by hitting a double in the right field gap.

Hicks made a sacrifice so high that it flew deep into left field. This brought Torres in to make it 2-0.

Trainer’s Room

Yankees – RHP Jameson Tillon sustained a left forearm concussion after his fracture X-rays came back negative.

Taillon received a Magneuris-Sierra line drive in the second inning. Taillon won’t know for sure until a few days if he has to be absent from a game.

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1B Anthony Rizzo did not make it to the start line as he continued to suffer from back pain.

RHP Luis Severino, (lat), will be making a rehabilitation start for Class-A Tampa on Friday.

LHP Nestor (groin), threw a bullpen before Wednesday’s match.

Angels – RHP Michael Lorenzen will be making a rehabilitation start in Class A Inland Empire’s rehab program on Friday due to a right shoulder strain. Manager Phil Nevin said they would like to see Lorenzen make 90 pitches.

Up Next

Yankees – Start a 3-game series in Tampa Bay starting Friday. RHP Domingo German (2-2, 3. 19 ERA) has allowed three runs or fewer in seven straight starts.

Angels continues their homestand starting Friday with three games against Houston. LHP Reid Detmers (5-4, 3. 47 ERA) is 3-1 since the All-Star break.

By Joe Reedy

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