Ohtani bounces back with go-ahead run as Angels edge Astros

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — This time, the calls went Shohei Ohtani's way.

Ohtani came home on Jack Mayfield's two-run double Thursday night and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Houston Astros 3-2 to snap a six-game losing streak.

The two-way star from Japan tried to score the winning run during Wednesday's 9-5 loss to Houston in 12 innings, but was called out after a perfect throw from right fielder Chas McCormick. One night later, Ohtani helped the Angels avoid their first four-game sweep against the Astros since 2013, keeping Houston's magic number at three for clinching the AL West.

The game was tied 1-all in the sixth inning when Mayfield lined a double down the left-field line off Lance McCullers Jr. (12-5) to score Ohtani and Jared Walsh. Mayfield had six RBIs in the series against his former team.

“He shows up every day and takes good at-bats,” Los Angeles manager Joe Maddon said. "The guy’s a survivor and he’s done a great job with this opportunity."

Ohtani got aboard on a one-out walk when ball four was just below the strike zone. He stole second, but that was challenged when it appeared shortstop Carlos Correa might have tagged Ohtani before his foot reached the bag. Umpires upheld the call.

“I think if you guys are asking, you know," McCullers said about the walk. “Not only that, but clearly he was out at second. When the game is affected by the guys not playing it, it sucks.”

Ohtani has 24 stolen bases this year. He is the fourth player in American League history to have at least 45 home runs and 24 steals in one season, joining Jose Canseco, Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez.

The Angels also snapped an eight-game skid at home, their longest since 1994.

Jason Castro smashed a pinch-hit homer to center with two outs in the ninth off Raisel Iglesias to draw...

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