Shohei Ohtani Homers in 9th Inning, Angels Win 13–12 in 10th on Astros Error

Trey Cabbage (25) scores on a single hit by Taylor Ward (3) of the Los Angeles Angels during the tenth inning of a game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif., on July 15, 2023. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Shohei Ohtani’s major league-leading 33rd homer keyed the Angels’ tying rally in the ninth inning, and rookie Trey Cabbage scored on Grae Kessinger’s throwing error in the 10th to end Los Angeles’ wild 13–12 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night, July 15.

The Astros’ rookie shortstop threw wide of first base while attempting to turn an easy inning-ending double play on Taylor Ward’s grounder.

Cabbage scored from third in only his second major league game to set off a wild celebration for the Angels, who rallied from a six-run deficit in the seventh and a three-run deficit in the ninth before snapping their six-game losing streak in improbable fashion.

The AL West rivals combined for 18 runs in the final four innings of a much-needed victory for the Angels, who had lost 10 of 11.

Houston starter Framber Valdez left with an apparent injury concern in the seventh before the bullpen imploded, allowing eight hits and eight runs—six earned.

Ohtani hit a 404-foot shot to center off closer Ryan Pressly leading off the ninth for the Angels, who already had tied it 9–9 in the seventh on Mike Moustakas’ dramatic three-run homer. Chas McCormick put Houston back ahead with a two-run homer in the eighth.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani takes off his helmet after swinging for a strike during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Anaheim, Calif., on July 15, 2023. Ryan Sun/Getty Images

Hunter Renfroe’s RBI single tied it in the ninth, but Pressly stranded two Angels in scoring position. All-Star closer Carlos Estevez (3–1) pitched a scoreless 10th inning for Los Angeles, and Phil Maton (2–3) lost without allowing a hit.

José Abreu hit a three-run homer during a five-run seventh inning for the Astros, but the Angels responded with an even bigger rally that included rookie Zach Neto’s two-run homer.

Mike Moustakas’ tying three-run homer capped Los Angeles’ incredible rally in the seventh, but McCormick quickly responded before Yainer Diaz added an RBI single in the ninth.

Neto connected off Valdez, who abruptly left with an athletic trainer two pitches later, midway through Ohtani’s at-bat. Valdez matched his career high with 13 strikeouts, but yielded seven hits and five runs on 103 pitches.

Kyle Tucker drove in three runs for the Astros.

Reid Detmers yielded four runs on five hits and three walks over six innings for the Angels.

Good Response

In the second inning, Luis Rengifo hit only his second homer since June 7. The infielder got pulled from Friday’s loss when he failed to hustle after the ball following an error, allowing Houston’s runners to advance. Rengifo took postgame responsibility for his lapse.

Trainer’s Room

Astros: Yordan Alvarez worked out in Houston, and the slugger is feeling better after falling ill earlier in the week, manager Dusty Baker said. Alvarez’s rehab assignment for his right oblique strain was delayed by his illness. Houston still doesn’t know when he'll head to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Angels: Ohtani is tentatively expected to make his next mound start Friday against Pittsburgh despite the minor finger injuries that have hampered his past three starts, manager Phil Nevin said. Ohtani is bothered by a finger blister and by a cracked fingernail. ... Brandon Drury (bruised left shoulder) and rookie C Logan O‘Hoppe (labrum) both began hitting off a tee this weekend. Drury was injured June 27, but hopes to return next week. O’Hoppe has been out since late April, and he’s on track for a possible return in August.

Up Next

Houston’s Cristian Javier (7–1, 4.34 ERA) goes after his first victory in six starts in the series finale Sunday when he faces the Halos’ Tyler Anderson (4–2, 5.25 ERA).

By Greg Beacham