Los Angeles Angels Stud Shohei Ohtani Does Something Not Done in Baseball Since 1986 on Thursday

The Los Angeles Angels beat the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Thursday behind a brilliant pitching performance from Shohei Ohtani. His Game 1 heroics, coupled with his Game 2 power, meant he accomplished even more baseball history.

One day after being pulled from the trade market, Los Angeles Angels ace Shohei Ohtani carried the Angels to a victory in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers.

Winning by a score of 6-0, Ohtani tossed a complete game shutout. He allowed just one hit and three walks while striking out eight. He moved his record on the mound to 9-5 while lowering his ERA to 3.43.

In Game 2 of the DH, Ohtani ripped his 37th and 38th home runs of the season, which lead baseball.

His performance for the day was the first of its kind since 1986, per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Shohei Ohtani is the first player to throw a 1-hit shutout (or no-hit) and homer on the same day since Floyd Youmans on 6/8/1986 (who did so in the same game)

Shohei Ohtani is the first player to throw a 1-hit shutout (or no-hit) and homer on the same day since Floyd Youmans on 6/8/1986 (who did so in the same game) https://t.co/B7WW7Y9yWi

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 27, 2023

Sure, Ohtani didn't do it all in the same game, but it's still ridiculously impressive what he's doing this year. He leads the league in homers, is batting .297, has driven in 79 and has stolen 12 bases.

He figures to be an easy lock for his second consecutive American League MVP award.

By not trading Ohtani, and then by trading for Lucas Giolito, the Angels are making a serious run at making the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They also want to show they are serious about winning so they can re-sign Ohtani in the offseason, when he's a free agent.

If the Angels sweep the doubleheader, they'll move to 54-49 and 3.0 games back in the wild card race.

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