Two-way Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani set a new franchise record during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the Washington Nationals (box points) by making his 10th consecutive start in which he surrenders two or fewer runs. The Angels’ record of such beginnings previously belonged to Nolan Ryan, who totaled nine in 1972-73.
Otani, 28, has held the Humble Nationals to one-hit runs over seven innings. He was uncharacteristically wild for the evening, going five strokes. However, he hit six and closed his streak as a thrower with 92 runs. Ohtani, as a batter, went 1-for-4, with his solo knock appearing as a single.
Otani last allowed more than two runs in a running back start on August 21, 2022, against the Detroit Tigers. He gave up three runs that day. Ohtani hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a game since July 22, 2022 — or 15 times before.
Heading into Tuesday’s game, Ohtani threw 12 single-run innings in two games. He struck out 18 batters and hit seven runs in those frames. Otani also hit 0.306/.419/.611 (185 OPS+) with three home runs and two hits in 43 trips to the plate as a hitter.
Ryan enjoyed his nine-run stretch during his 25- and 26-year-old seasons, or his first two years as a member of the then-California Angels. He would end up going through eight seasons with the Angels, compiling a 3.07 ERA (115 ERA+) and a 1.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Ryan has appeared and started for the Angels (291 and 288) more than anyone else MLB franchise.
The Angels improved to 6-5 with the victory on Tuesday night. They will conclude their series with the Nationals on Wednesday before taking off on Thursday. This weekend, they will start a series on the road against the Boston Red Sox.
“Alcohol enthusiast. Twitter ninja. Tv lover. Falls down a lot. Hipster-friendly coffee geek.”