Shohei Ohtani hit his AL-leading 42nd home run as part of a three-hit day on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Texas Rangers 2-0 to avoid a series sweep.
The two-way star launched a 1-0 fastball from Jon Gray over the center-field wall to give the Angels a 1-0 lead in the first inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Ohtani also had two infield singles on a 3-for-4 day, raising his batting average to .306.
Reid Detmers (3-9) came within five outs of his second career no-hitter after his first in May 2022.
The Angels left-hander was relieved by Reynaldo Lopez when his no-hit bid was broken up in the eighth by a one-out double from Marcus Semien. Detmers struck out five and walked four over 7-⅓ innings.
The Angels added a much-needed insurance run when Matt Thaiss homered to center in the ninth.
Carlos Estevez got in and out of a two-on jam in the ninth for his 26th save. Gray (8-6) took the loss after working seven innings of one-run ball.
Angels manager Phil Nevin said that Ohtani’s next pitching start will likely be at at home on Aug. 23 against the Cincinnati Reds after he skipped his turn in the rotation because of arm fatigue.
Among other Japanese players, Minnesota Twins right-hander Kenta Maeda got a no-decision after allowing three runs in four-plus innings in an 8-7 loss to the Detroit Tigers.