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Anaheim, CA (AP) —This call was made in the manner of Shohei Ohtani.
Otani returned Thursday night with Jack Mayfield’s two-run double, and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Houston Astros 3-2, losing six games in a row.
A two-way star from Japan tried to win 12 innings during a 9-5 defeat to Houston on Wednesday, but was summoned after a perfect throw from right fielder Chas McCormick. One night, Otani helped the Angels avoid the first four-game sweep against the Astros since 2013, keeping Houston’s magic number three to clinch AL West.
The game was a one-on-one draw when Mayfield doubled down the left fielder line of Lance McCullers Jr. (12-5) to win Otani and Jared Walsh. Mayfield had six RBIs in the series against his previous team.
“He appears every day and takes a good turn at bat,” said Los Angeles manager Joe Maddon. “The man was a survivor and he did a great job on this occasion.”
Otani boarded the one-out walk when Ball 4 was just below the strike zone. He stole second, but it was challenged when shortstop Carlos Correa thought he might have tagged Otani before his feet reached the bag. The referee upheld the call.
“If you’re asking a question, you know,” McColors said.
Otani has 24 stolen bases this year. He is the fourth player in American League history to join Jose Canseco, Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez, scoring at least 45 home runs and 24 steals in a season.
Angels also snapped the longest eight-game skid since 1994 at home.
Jason Castro broke a pinch hitter home run and pulled Houston into the run with two outs in Raisel Iglesias’ ninth off. It was the second consecutive night that Castro went deep into the club in front of him.
José Altuve recorded a group hit before Iglesias gave Jose Siri a third strike on the checkswing, blocking Houston’s four consecutive wins.
Iglesias won his second 33rd save in the American League. Austin Warren (2-0) worked on the 11/3 innings of the scoreless ball.
Alex Cobb has made a solid start in Los Angeles for the second year in a row since he was off the injured list. A right-handed player threw a shutout ball five innings against the Chicago White Sox last Thursday, then gave up one run with four hits and hit four with 52/3 innings.
“He was finding his fastball away and had a good split finger,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker. “He has something sharp and good. He has pitched well not only for us, but for more.”
McColors, who started 3-0 in the last six starts, has suffered their first defeat against Angels since August 15. The right-handed person made 6 innings and struck out 5 times with 2 hits and 3 runs.
Houston had a fourth base with one, but couldn’t cross anything. Yuli Gurriel was summoned on strike and Corea was based on fielder’s choice.
The Angels led the lower half 1-0 with Walsh’s sacrifice fly.
Houston tied it to the sixth inning with Corea’s two RBI single.
Trainers room
Astros: DH / OF Jordan Alvarez didn’t play due to general pain. … RHP Ryne Stanek is back from his father’s list. … RHP Jake Odorizzi (pain in the right leg) will be off the injured list on Sunday and will start in Oakland. … Baker refused to say if OF Michael Brantley (right knee discomfort) could be out of the IL before the end of the regular season. … RHP Pedro Baez (Right Shoulder Pain) will appear in at least one rehab at Triple A Sugar Land.
Angels: RHP Dylan Bundy (right shoulder tension) and OF Justin Upton (right hip tension) have been moved to the 60-day injured list, ending the season. … LHP Reed Detomers has returned from the injured list and chose Triple A Salt Lake.
next
Astros: Starts a 3-game series in Auckland. The RHP Zack Greinke (11-6, 4.11) was 0-3, scoring 7.56 ERA on the last five starts.
Angels: Opening the final home series of the season against Seattle. LHP Jose Suarez (7-8, 3.67 ERA) allowed less than three runs in six consecutive starts.
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