Shohei Ohtani hit a solo home run in the 9th inning, his 33rd of the season, laying the stepping stone for the dramatic come-from-behind victory for his team, the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani started as the designated hitter twice in the 2023 MLB home game against the Houston Astros held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA on the 16th (Korean time) and went 1 hit in 5 at-bats (1 home run) and 1 walk. Scored 1 point.
Ohtani went hitless in four at-bats until the eighth inning, and the Angels were drawn to 9-12 by the beginning of the ninth inning.
Ohtani entered as the lead batter at the end of the ninth inning. Houston put closer Ryan Presley (21 saves) on the mound. After hitting a solo home run by leadoff hitter Kybert Ruiz in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals on June 16, Presley has been pitching 13 consecutive no-hits in 42 batters in 13 innings. It was a special finish that did not let runners out or concede in the last 11 consecutive games.
Ohtaji hit Presley’s three-pitch slider, leading to a solo home run that went over the middle wall. It was the first home run in the second half (Season No. 33) and only two games since the match against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 9th. 해외안전놀이터 추천
The Angels, who raised the mood, beat Presley and took the chance to safely load the bases with Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak, and Eduardo Escobar’s consecutive hits. After catching up with the opponent catcher’s fastball at 11-12, Hunter Renfro’s timely hit after one shot made it 12-12.
At the end of the 10th inning of the extra game, Ohtani intentionally walked out with 4 pitches at 1st out and 2nd base, and scored the winning run due to the opponent’s error. Ohtani’s home run and intentional 4 pitches set the stage for a come-from-behind victory.
Ohtani of the American League hit his 33rd home run of the season, taking one step further from the MLB home run competition. He widened the gap to Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves), who was the National League home run leader and second overall in MLB, to three.
The Angels dramatically escaped a six-game losing streak.