Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels first baseman Jared Walsh can’t hold on to the ball as the Miami Marlins’ Jon Berti is safe at first during the first inning on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani gestures from the mound during the first inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Miami Marlins’ Joey Wendle hits a double during the first inning of their game against the Angels on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani prepares to throw during the first inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Miami Marlins’ Jon Berti scores past Angels catcher Max Stassi on a sacrifice fly by Garrett Cooper during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani reacts after allowing a run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers throws during the second inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani bats during the first inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers follows through on a delivery during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the fourth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Monte Harrison is hit by a pitch thrown by Miami Marlins starter Trevor Rogers during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers delivers a pitch during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Mike Trout is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Mike Trout reacts after being hit by a pitch thrown by Miami Marlins’ Trevor Rogers during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani loses his helmet while batting during the fifth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani celebrates his tie-breaking two-run single during the fifth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Jonathan Villar, left, scores past Miami Marlins catcher Jacob Stallings on a single by Shohei Ohtani during the fifth inning on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani celebrates his tie-breaking two-run single during the fifth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani celebrates his tie-breaking two-run single during the fifth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A fans holds up a sign for Angels star Shohei Ohtani before a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Angels, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Jonathan Villar high-fives teammates after scoring a run during the fifth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson looks to first after fielding a ball hit by the Angels’ Michael Stefanic, who was safe with a single during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Michael Stefanic singles during the sixth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) stands on the mound with catcher Jacob Stallings, center, and shortstop Miguel Rojas, right, as the bases are loaded with Angels during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers, second from left, hands the ball to manager Don Mattingly during the fifth inning of their game against the Angels on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Miami Marlins’ Miguel Rojas fields a ground ball against the Angels during the sixth inning at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the sixth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the sixth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the sixth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the sixth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani scores during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. The Angels won 5-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani high-fives teammates after scoring a run during the seventh inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, right, talks with pitching coach Matt Wise during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. The Angels won 5-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani talks with pitching coach Matt Wise #83 during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the seventh inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani celebrates a strikeout during the seventh inning of their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani sits in the dugout during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. The Angels won 5-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels catcher Max Stassi, left, has a towel put over his head during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. The Angels won 5-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Tommy Nance delivers a pitch during the seventh inning of their game against the Angels on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. The Angels won 5-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Miami Marlins’ Jesus Aguilar, left, scores past Angels catcher Max Stassi on a ground out by Jesus Sanchez during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. The Angels won 5-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Miami Marlins’ Jesus Aguilar, left, celebrates with Brian Anderson after scoring a run during the ninth inning of their game against the Angels on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias and catcher Max Stassi celebrate the final out to defeat the Miami Marlins 5-2 at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Marlins’ Miguel Rojas flies out during the ninth inning of their game against the Angels on Wednesday night in Miami. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels catcher Max Stassi, left, and relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias hug after the Angels defeated the Miami Marlins 5-2 in a baseball game Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels center fielder Mike Trout, center, celebrates with teammates after defeating the Miami Marlins 5-2 at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, left, high-fives center fielder Mike Trout (27) after the team’s 5-2 win in a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Angels center fielder Mike Trout, left, high-fives teammate Shohei Ohtani after they defeated the Miami Marlins, 5-2, at loanDepot park on July 06, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani continues to dazzle throughout this disappointing stretch for the Angels.
Ohtani gave up just one unearned run in seven innings and he drove in the go-ahead runs in the Angels’ 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.
Ohtani did most of the heavy lifting to snap the Angels’ four-game losing streak, giving them their first victory on this nine-game trip.
“I think it’s huge that we’re winning when I’m pitching, because I’m part of the fault of the losing streak because I’m in the lineup,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “It’s great when I can stop it on the mound.”
Over his last five starts, Ohtani is 5-0 with a 0.27 ERA, including 46 strikeouts and nine walks in 33-2/3 innings. He hasn’t allowed a single earned run over his last four starts, while striking out at least 40, a feat accomplished just eight other times since earned runs became an official stat in 1913.
Since the RBI became a stat in 1920, Ohtani is the first player to ever strike out 10, drive in two runs and steal a base in the same game.
“It’s special,” Angels catcher Max Stassi said. “It’s historic. It’s elite. He’s a frontline guy. He’s established himself as one of the better arms in all baseball. Everybody else knows that. And you gotta fear him at the plate the same day too. He’s a superstar pitcher and he’s a superstar hitter.
“It’s really tough to do one. It continues to amaze me. Sometimes I have to take a step back and be like, this is special. This is unique and this will not be done at that level. It will not be done again.”
Ohtani came into the game with a 21-2/3 inning scoreless streak, but that ended when he gave up an unearned run in the first inning. Shortstop Luis Rengifo made a bad throw after backhanding a grounder from speedy leadoff hitter Jon Berti. Joey Wendle then doubled and Garrett Cooper drove in Berti with a sacrifice fly.
After that, Ohtani cruised.
Ohtani issued a walk and gave up a single in the second, but then he started a string of retiring 15 consecutive hitters.
Ohtani’s slider and splitter were both effective. He got 11 whiffs on 22 swings at his slider, and six whiffs on eight swings against his splitter. Ohtani also had his top fastball velocity, including a fifth-inning strikeout of Jacob Stallings on a 100.9 mph fastball.
“Another magnificent outing,” Stassi said. “Amazing. He navigated through seven innings, threw sliders, threw splits, threw fastballs, threw 3-2 curveballs. Call it a day.”
He walked two hitters in the seventh, prompting a visit from pitching coach Matt Wise and action in the bullpen. Ohtani then escaped the inning by striking out pinch-hitter Nick Fortes on three pitches, his 10th strikeout of the game.
Ryan Tepera and Raisel Iglesias worked the final two innings to close it out, with a four-run lead thanks to the long overdue awakening of the Angels’ offense.
The Angels came into the game on a franchise-worst streak of four straight games with three hits or fewer, and they equaled that total in the fifth inning alone.
Michael Stefanic led off with a dribbler that went for an infield hit, the first of his two hits. Stassi then hit one into the gap in left-center and sliding left fielder Berti couldn’t hold it. Monte Harrison was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
After Jonathan Villar hit a comebacker that pitcher Trevor Rogers threw home for a force, Mike Trout was hit by a pitch to drive in the tying run.
Ohtani then poked a two-run single into left field, driving in two to give the Angels their first multi-run inning of the five games so far on this trip.
Angels’ Luis Rengifo shows encouraging signs amid a disappointing season
“I was just telling myself not to strike out, put the ball in play,” Ohtani said. “Something is going to happen if I put the ball in play. I happened to find a hole.”
The Angels added two more runs in the seventh, on RBI hits by Taylor Ward and Rengifo, to crack the five-run mark for the first time since June 22.
In describing the relief of the Angels finally putting some runs on the board, Stassi took the opportunity to offer unsolicited support for Angels hitting coaches Jeremy Reed, John Mallee and Paul Sorrento.
“All the coaches are sending out video, talking to each guy, communicating ‘hey, here’s what you need to work on. Here’s what you’re doing when you’re good,’” Stassi said. “It’s nonstop. Those guys work their absolute tails off. It’s an endless job. It’s a thankless job. When it’s going good, nobody talks about you these guys. When it’s not going good, we’re the ones in the box, but it starts to get some attention, which is completely wrong. The process has been great. We’re just trying to ride it out and compete every night, one day at a time.”
