Angels' Shohei Ohtani pitches masterfully in loss
They say the definition of insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing while expecting different results. One could forgive fans of the Los Angeles Angels for feeling a little frustrated to this point. It would seem, at least for Opening Day, that things haven't changed.
Shohei Ohtani took the mound for Los Angeles on Opening Day and was masterful. The Angels still lost.
Angels fans are optimistic that the cycle will change. This first game against the Oakland A's should be an aberration, not the norm. Unfortunately, for most of the baseball world it has become a recurring joke the Angels are doing little to dispel.
That's not Ohtani's fault, and after seeing how he pitched throughout the World Baseball Classic, it's hardly a surprise to see him ready to start the season in top form.
Ohtani threw six shutout innings at Oakland, allowing just a pair of hits -- a single and double to Aledmys Diaz and Seth Brown, respectively, in the fourth inning -- while walking three. He struck out 10. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe had a spectacular catch in the first inning that also helped set an early tone.
Let's not forget Ohtani bats, as well. He was 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk.
Los Angeles had a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the eighth inning. Aaron Loup entered for the Angels and things went south quickly. Esteury Ruiz singled and then scored on a Tony Kemp double. Kemp would score two batters later, knocking Loup from the game. Oakland won 2-1.
History. Maybe not the kind the Angels were looking for but history nonetheless.
More must-reads: