Ohtani, Ward look sharp, but bats fail Angels in loss to Astros

Shohei Ohtani dealt on the mound, but was one of just two Angels to deliver at least one hit in Tuesday night’s loss to the AL West rival Houston Astros.

Seven innings, ten strikeouts, and just one earned run given up was the line for Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday. 10 strikeouts in just 88 pitches.

Then, Taylor Ward smoked a long ball, and the game was tied. Just one run for each team heading into the bottom of the eighth, and the game was in the hands of the bullpens now.

The Astros took advantage, scoring four runs in the eighth. Aaron Slegers gave up two earned runs, and so did Alex Claudio. That was the last time the Astros would bat.

The Angels’ top of the order went three-up, three-down to end the game in the top of the ninth.

It didn’t feel surprising. The Angels looked awful at the plate all night. Ward had a base knock and a homer, and Ohtani had a single, but that was it for the Halos.

Only two walks were even registered all game. Mike Trout had one of them, right after Ohtani’s hit. The Angels had two runners on base.

Jared Walsh then grounded into a double play. Ohtani was able to at least make it to third, but Justin Upton ended up grounding out right after. In a night where few baserunners found their way, squandering a chance like that was killer.

It wasn’t just the offense, but it’s safe to say that the offense can’t be silent tomorrow in the series finale. In the first two games of this series, the winning team has scored five runs.

Five runs is manageable, and with Mike Trout 0-9 in his last three games, he has to be due for a big night against the AL West rival.

Winning this series is crucial. It only get harder when the Halos have to take on the Red Sox and Indians in their next two series.