Anaheim, California /
Shohei Ohtani extended his scoreless streak to 21.2 innings while throwing five-hit ball in the sixth inning with 11 strikeouts in the Los Angeles Angels win 4-1 over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, June 29 at the Major League Baseball (MLB).
“This one was huge for us because we wanted to win the series, and it’s going to lead us to better things in the future,” Ohtani said through a translator after winning his fourth straight start.
Ohtani (7-4) gave up five singles and a walk, and the White Sox had to work for every little hit against him. The reigning AL MVP hasn’t allowed a run since the fifth inning of his glittering seven-inning outing at Boston on June 9, giving him a 0.34 ERA over his past four starts with 36 strikeouts, 24 in the last two games.
Translator Ippei Mizuhara says this matter-of-factly, but Ohtani’s variety of shots is maddening for opponents and eye-catching for teammates.
“He’s got six, seven, eight pitches and he can change speed on all of them,” catcher Max Stassi said. “It’s special what he can do and how he can manipulate it. … You never know what you’re going to get. It’s the kitchen sink coming at you all the time.”
Ohtani went 0-for-3 with a walk at the plate, but Luis Rengifo hit a two-run homer and Mike Trout had an early RBI double as the Angels ended their disappointing 4-5 home run on a note. positive because of his superstar’s work on the mound.
Ohtani’s streak included shutout starts in wins over Seattle and Kansas City before this tough challenge against the White Sox, who had 17 hits and 11 runs scored the night before. After striking out a career-high 13 Royals last week, Ohtani reached double-digit strikeouts for the fifth time this season against Chicago.
