LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The defending American League Champions Houston Astros kicked off the 2022 season facing the reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day.
Alex Bregman’s two-hit, two-RBI night that featured his first home run of the season led the Astros to a 3-1 victory. Houston’s 10th consecutive Opening Day win ties an MLB record.
Bregman was half of a back-to-back home run sequence in the eighth inning that broke the game open. Bregman and Yordan Alvarez connected on solo home runs to push the Houston lead to 3-0.
David fletcher tallied an RBI triple for the solo Angels run on the night. His triple was one of only four hits for Los Angeles.
Ohtani’s Night
All of baseball’s eyes were on the two-way Japanese talent, Ohtani on Thursday night. Last season’s American League MVP got the Opening Day nod on the mound for the Angels.
Ohtani only made it through just over four innings but did not fail to produce a stellar start. Ohtani threw for nine strikeouts while only allowing four hits, one walk and only one earned run.
When pitching in 2021 Ohtani posted a 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA through 130.1 innings. He struck out 156 batters while only walking 44 and had a 1.090 WHIP.
Ohtani’s offensive output was nonexistent for the Los Angeles lineup. Going 0-4 on the evening at the plate and never reaching base.
Dealing Valdez
Framber Valdez earned the Opening Day Starting pitcher role for Houston. The 28-year-old who went 11-6 with a 3.14 ERA a season ago dominated the Angeles lineup.
Only allowing two hits through six and two-thirds innings, Valdez struck out six batters and did not allow a run.
The Astros’ pitching staff as a whole punched out seven Angels hitters on the night.
Preseason Projections
According to FanGraphs, the Houston Astros are projected to win the American League West Division at 90-72. They are also projected the best record in the entire American league and tied for the No.2 record in the MLB.
Los Angeles is projected to go 81-81 and finish No. 3 in the American League West Division.
Up Next
Game two of this four-game series between these teams takes place on Friday, April 8. The projected pitching matchup is Reid Detmers for Los Angeles and Jake Odorizzi for Houston.
