Shohei Ohtani Homers Twice, Angels Top Texas Rangers in Extras

Shohei Ohtani drilled two home runs, including the game-winner in the 12th inning, as the Los Angeles Angels claimed a 9-6 comeback victory Monday night over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field

The American League West-leading Rangers (41-24) opened a seven-game homestand with a loss to a division rival after dropping a series at the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend. Texas is 2-2 against the Angels (37-31) this season and 14-6 versus the AL West, but has lost four of its last five.

The go-ahead Ohtani blast, his first career homer in extra innings, followed two scoreless extra innings. The dual-threat star took the first pitch from Rangers reliever Cole Ragans into the left-field seats, which also scored the ghost runner at second.

Chad Wallach added another two-run homer later in the inning to essentially put the game away.

Texas scored a run in the bottom of the 12th on an error and had the tying run at the plate in Marcus Semien with two outs. The AL All-Star voting leader at second base struck out to end an 0-for-7 showing.

The Rangers, 21-10 at home, jumped on Los Angeles starter Tyler Anderson early. Ezequiel Duran cranked a three-run blast in the second – his eighth homer of the season – to score Josh Jung and Jonah Heim.

Jung and Mitch Garver drove in runs in the third to up to advantage to 5-1.

The lead didn’t last.

Texas starter Dane Dunning ran into trouble in the fifth, as the Angels cut the lead to 5-4. A wild pitch and error by Adolis García aided the Los Angeles’ rally and helped end the night for Dunning.

The right-hander, who moved into the rotation with the loss of Jacob deGrom, gave up five runs (season-high four earned) over five innings. Dunning allowed six hits, walked five and struck out three.

The visitors tied the game in the seventh as Ohtani launched a 459-foot solo shot to center off Texas reliever Grant Anderson. Ohtani finished 2-for-4 with four RBI, pushing his home run total to 20.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy was waiting to announce Tuesday’s starter after Jon Gray was pushed back due to a blister. The Angels are going with Jaime Barria (2-2, 1.85) for the 7:05 p.m. start.

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