:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67111445/1259238261.jpg.0.jpg)
Well, you can only go up from here.
For the first time since September 2, 2018, Shohei Ohtani took the mound in an MLB game in Oakland on Sunday. Over the course of the season, Ohtani will be the starter every Sunday, as the Angels have the most off-days on Mondays.
For Ohtani and the Angels, let’s hope that this is as bad as it gets. It was a forgettable start for him on Saturday, as Ohtani failed to record a single out in the Angels’ 6-4 loss to the Athletics.
Ohtani faced only six hitters, but they all reached base. Marcus Semien began the inning with a single. The next three hitters all drew walks, making it the first time in Ohtani’s career that we walked three consecutive batters. Mark Canha then singled in two with the bases loaded, and was followed by Robbie Grossman who singled in a run as well.
Shohei Ohtani’s day is done. He did not record a single out over 30 pitches, none of which were splitters. His fastball velocity averaged 92.9 mph.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 26, 2020
The final line for Ohtani was: 0 IP, 5 ER, 3 H, 3 BB
Hopefully he’s able to bounce back next Sunday.
After allowing five runs right away, the Angels’ pitching staff did an excellent job of keeping them in the game. Matt Andriese came in to relieve Ohtani and was excellent. He threw 5 2⁄3 innings and allowed only three hits. Andriese also struck out five and issued only one walk.
Meanwhile, Mike Trout did Mike Trout things. He homered on a 3-0 count for the first time in his career, inching the Angels back into the game. Per MLB Stats, Trout had 210 plate appearances prior to this where he had a 3-0 count. This is only the second time he’s recorded a hit.
Hey, @Cut4. What are we doing for Mike Trout homers this year? pic.twitter.com/CKbtDLZwX0
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 26, 2020
Trout would drive in all four runs for the Angels. For the most part, that was all the offense for the Angels on Saturday. David Fletcher did go 4-for-4, and is now hitting .545 through the first three games of the season.
Saturday particulars
Home runs: Mike Trout (1), Sean Murphy (1)
WP: Yusmeiro Petit (1-0) 1 IP, 1 SO, 0 ER
LP: Shohei Ohtani (0-1) 0 IP, 5 ER, 3 H, 3 BB
SV: Liam Hendriks (1) 1 1⁄3 IP, 0 ER, 1 SO
Up next
The Angels will look to even the series tomorrow at Oakland. First pitch is at 12:40 p.m. on Fox Sports West. Griffin Canning takes the mound for the Angels.