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Shohei Smash and Heavenly Luck Give Angels 4-2 Win Over Astros.

Astros bats suddenly go quiet again after Saturday’s explosion.

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros
Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10, right) is congratulated by Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44, left) after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels
Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani was merely a generational talent when he arrived from Japan as a thin-framed, future Babe Ruth.

Three years later, he’s become one of the biggest, strongest, and fastest athletes in all baseball. He’s become a monster.

His second home run of the series saved the Angels from the sweep, with the help of a little...well...help.

With the bases loaded and two out in the fifth, Astros starter Lance McCullers appeared to have gotten out of the jam unharmed when David Fletcher hit a weak grounder to first base. Unfortunately, it was literally to first base. The grounder hit the base, bounced over towards right field, and allowed two runs to score.

Besides the hit-by-pitch, walk, and two infield singles that McCullers allowed that inning, it was a nearly flawless performance by Lance, who should have left the game without having any runs debited from his ledger.

The Astros did manage to tie the game in the seventh on a Yuli Gurriel two-run homer, but Ohtani’s shot in the eighth against Luis Garcia was all the Halos needed to put this game away.

The Angels added insurance in the ninth on an Anthony Bemboon single off Brooks Railey, scoring Jose Rojas, who doubled earlier.

The Astros only got four hits, just two off Angels starter Dylan Bundy.

Tomorrow the Astros face the Mariners at MMP. Jose Urquidy takes the mound for the Stros.

Box score and videos HERE.