Astros Move Closer, Beat Angels in 12; Ohtani Out at Plate

Astros Move Closer, Beat Angels in 12; Ohtani Out at Plate
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, avoids a tag by Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro but misses the plate during the 10th inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 22, 2021. Ohtani was later tagged out by Castro. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
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ANAHEIM, Calif.—Houston manager Dusty Baker says a huge source of pride about his AL West-leading team is the way it plays defense. It showed Wednesday night as right fielder Chas McCormick made two huge plays in the Astros’ 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in 12 innings.

McCormick made a one-hop throw to prevent Shohei Ohtani from scoring the potential game-winning run in the 10th inning. Two innings later, the Astros broke through with four runs, including a two-run double by Jose Altuve, to reduce their magic number to three for clinching their fourth division title in five seasons.