8-10 - Rangers can’t tame a wild Ohtani, fall 6-2 in Anaheim

The Texas Rangers scored two runs and the Anaheim Angels scored six runs.

Anaheim starter Shohei Ohtani was, as we say, effectively wild tonight for the Angels in his second start of the season. Ohtani — limited to 80 pitches — allowed a career high six walks to Texas but he also struck out seven and gave up just one hit as he danced around danger in each of his four innings.

By the time Ohtani exited, the Angels had put a couple of runs on psuedo-normal starter Jordan Lyles. Eventually Lyles allowed three runs in six innings on five hits, zero walks, and five strikeouts. Lyles was able to get through those six innings in 80 pitches and ultimately had a quality start but with the bats stymied during their earlier chances, he was pinned with a loss.

The Rangers tried to get back in the contest once they got into the Angels’ bullpen but they could never get over the hurdle and Lyles’ tandem mate Taylor Hearn allowed three runs in the bottom of the seventh on two home runs to eventually sink Texas.

Player of the Game: Props to Nick Solak for hitting his fourth dong of the season to tie Nate Lowe for the team lead in taters.

Also, yes, Joey Gallo reached base again tonight as he has in each game he’s played in this season and he still leads baseball in walks drawn.

Up Next: The Rangers and Angels close out this series with an afternoon rubber match with RHP Mike Foltynewicz set to make the start for Texas against LHP Jose Quintana for Anaheim.

First pitch in Wednesday’s finale from The Big A is scheduled for 3:07 pm CT.