Los Angeles Angels Superstar Shohei Ohtani on the Wrong Side of History For Once

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, but took the loss anyways, joining a rare and sad club in baseball history.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has been making history seemingly all season - all of it positive.

On Wednesday night, Ohtani was on the wrong side of history, joining a club that hasn't had a new member in more than 50 years.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Last night, Shohei Ohtani became the first American League pitcher to: - strike out 12 batters 

- reach base safely 

- pick up the loss 

since Mickey Lolich for the Tigers on July 31, 1971.

Last night, Shohei Ohtani became the first American League pitcher to:

- strike out 12 batters
- reach base safely
- pick up the loss

since Mickey Lolich for the Tigers on July 31, 1971. pic.twitter.com/LhApJtzpmx

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 22, 2023

Obviously, AL pitchers didn't hit at all for a while with the advent of the designated hitter but interleague play in which AL pitchers hit went on for more than 20 years, so there have been plenty of chances for this to happen since 1971. Unfortunately Ohtani was on the wrong end this time.

Ohtani went seven innings on the mound, allowing five hits, one run, two walks and striking out 12. He's now 6-3 on the season with a 3.13 ERA.

At the plate, he was 0-3 but drew a walk. He's now hitting .292 this season with 24 homers, 58 RBI and 10 stolen bases. His OPS is an absurd .993.

The Angels are now 41-35 on the season and in third place in the American League West. They are 0.5 games back in the chase for the third and final wild card spot.

The Angels are off on Thursday but will play the Rockies in a series beginning Friday at Coors Field.

First pitch is 8:40 p.m. ET.

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