Angels Score: LA Shuts Out Nationals in Win Behind Shohei Ohtani Masterclass, O'Hoppe Continues to Shine

Much-needed bounce back against Washington.

The talk of town surrounding the Los Angeles Angels following their very disappointing loss to the Washington Nationals on Monday was that their bullpen folded once again. It was heard loud and clear and they made sure to not waste the hard work Shohei Ohtani did at the pitching mound.

Ohtani lasted seven innings and struck out six batters while giving up no runs at all. He put LA in primetime position to win and it only took a couple of runs from everybody else to get the job done.

Anthony Rendon returned to the Angels lineup once again but this time it was after recovering from a hit he took by a pitch... not anything else. He immediately got the ball rolling for the Halos with a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning that brought in Taylor Ward.

1-0 thanks to him.

The Angels loaded the bases with 0 outs. They scored just one run.

Anthony Rendon brought a run in on a sac fly. Then Hunter Renfroe grounded into a double play.

1-0, Angels.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 12, 2023

Sac fly from Rendon gives the Halos the lead! 😤@Angels | #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/HmhLw19pZk

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 12, 2023

It was then everybody's favorite rookie's turn to shine at the plate once again. Continue stacking up your brownie points for Rookie of the Year, Logan O'Hoppe!

The 23-year-old connected on his fourth home run of the season at the bottom of the sixth inning and extended their lead to 2-0.

O'Hoppe goes DEEP 🚀@Angels | #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/WC2MRQG3v6

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 12, 2023

Of course, the new home run hat that seems to be growing on everybody now was waiting for O'Hoppe back at home plate.

Rendon also couldn't help but take a little swipe at it.

Love to see it 😇 https://t.co/qGaNsxOYVN pic.twitter.com/nHbREkBRBJ

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 12, 2023

By the time the seventh inning wrapped up, Shohei Ohtani's time at the mound finally came to an end. He ended the night with 92 pitches, six strikeouts, and no runs allowed. He has only given up one run this season.

The last time we saw him start at the mound, he went for 111 pitches total but the coaching staff opted to rest his arm and give the bullpen a chance to redeem themselves.

Sho Recap ✅
Bally Sports recap of Shohei Ohtani on the mound tonight in Anaheim. ⚔️
Credit: Ballys#大谷翔平 #Ohtani #Angels #GoHalos #MVP pic.twitter.com/PfjoDTZFsz

— Anaheim Sports (@AnaheimSports1) April 12, 2023

Jose Quijada replaced Ohtani after his no-run performance. He took care of business with 15 pitches and no runs allowed. Carlos Estevez checked in once the ninth inning rolled around and closed out the game for them.

The Angels came out on top 2-0 and even the series against the Nationals. They hit the field against them for the third time on Wednesday at 1:07 pm PT.