Ohtani Homers, Yamamoto Retires 22 Straight; Dodgers Score 9 in One Inning to Beat Angels

(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, 6th, Combined Foreign News Report) Shohei Ohtani hit a home run in the first inning today, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a stellar performance by retiring 22 consecutive batters, as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9-2. The Dodgers earned their 18th win in their last 23 games.

In the second game of this three-game series, the Dodgers strung together six consecutive hits to start the game, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring 9 runs in the first inning with just one out. This marked the first time the team had scored 9 runs in a single inning since July 2, 2021, against the Washington Nationals.

Angels starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz was shelled, allowing 6 hits and 7 runs (6 earned) in just 1/3 of an inning. He was pulled after throwing 38 pitches, recording only one out via a strikeout.

Ohtani contributed a two-run home run in the offensive barrage, his 11th of the season. He had two hits and scored two runs in the inning, helping the Dodgers take control early.

The Dodgers have now won all five of their recent matchups against the Angels, outscoring them 41-5.

After allowing an RBI triple to Oswald Peraza with two outs in the first inning, Yamamoto completely shut down the Angels' lineup. He retired 22 consecutive batters over 7 innings, achieving a remarkable streak of 21 up, 21 down, to earn his 6th win of the season.

The reigning World Series MVP allowed just 2 hits over 8 innings, with no walks and 4 strikeouts. He threw 69 of his 93 pitches for strikes, lowering his ERA to 2.68.

Over his last four starts, Yamamoto has pitched 27 1/3 innings with an ERA under 1.00, allowing just 3 runs and only 1 home run.