OAKLAND, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 over six shutout innings in his season debut after winning the World Classic, but the Oakland A’s took advantage of the Japanese star’s departure to beat the Thursday 2-1 to the Los Angeles Angels.
Cuban Aledmys Díaz capped the A’s comeback with a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning. Esteury Ruiz singled and Tony Kemp tied it with a double to start the debacle for Aaron Loup (0-1).
Ohtani called his own pitches, using Pitchcom technology, just as he did during the preseason, given his great repertoire and the addition of the pitch clock this year.
Rookie catcher Logan O’Hoppe singled in the fifth inning to drive in the first run of the game and give the Angels the lead. Los Angeles right fielder Hunter Renfroe then made an amazing no-look catch that was undoubtedly one of the brightest plays of opening day in the majors.
Ohtani raised his arms in wonder on the mound.
However, Trevor May (1-0), new reliever for the A’s, ended up taking the victory, to finish the eighth inning. The Dominican Dany Jiménez was credited with the save, despite putting the potential tying run on the paths with a ticket.
For the Angels, Venezuelan Luis Rengifo 3-0. Colombian Gio Urshela 4-2 with a run scored.
For the Athletics, Cuban Díaz 3-2 with a push. The Venezuelan Jesus Aguilar 3-0. The Dominicans Ramón Laureano 4-0. Ruiz 3-1.