It was a memorable afternoon for Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani.
The AL MVP front-runner made the start in the first game of a doubleheader, tossing the first complete-game shutout of his career in a 6-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Ohtani allowed just one hit and struck out eight to earn his ninth win of the season.
(Video source: MLB.com)
In the second game of the doubleheader, Ohtani crushed a two-run homer in the second inning before adding another solo shot in the fourth. The pair of home runs extend Ohtani’s league-leading total to 38 on the season and puts him right on pace to hit 60.
The Angels removed Ohtani from the second game of the doubleheader in the top of the seventh inning due to cramping. He appeared to be favoring his left side after hitting his second home run.
Following the doubleheader, Angels manager Phil Nevin said Ohtani will receive fluids and is expected to be available for Friday’s game, according to SoCal News Group’s Jeff Fletcher.
Ohtani is the first player since Rick Wise in 1971 to throw a one-hit shutout and hit two home runs on the same day, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
Tigers starting pitcher Matt Manning allowed both of Ohtani’s home runs and was left in awe of what he accomplished.
“He probably had the greatest day of baseball that anyone’s ever seen today,” Manning said, according to MLive’s Evan Woodbery. “It was incredible. I’m proud that I didn’t shy away. Even when I got behind in the count, I went right at him. You tip the cap. It is what it is.”
The Angels swept the doubleheader to pull within three games of the Toronto Blue Jays for the final wild-card spot in the American League. The two clubs will open up an important series Friday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com
Want More From Sports Gossip?
For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
