Ohtani allows 7 runs, chased in 1st inning by Yankees

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani's much-anticipated start in the Bronx was a flop.

Ohtani lasted just two-thirds of an inning against the New York Yankees. He gave up four runs on two hits and four walks, and he hit one batter.

The right-hander exited with the bases loaded, and reliever Aaron Slegers immediately allowed all three inherited runners to score on DJ LeMahieu's double, leaving Ohtani with seven earned runs.

Ohtani was batting in the leadoff spot, but manager Joe Maddon opted not to shift the league's home-run leader to right field, where he's played after pitching in four games this season.

The outing raised Ohtani's ERA from 2.58 to 3.60, and his WHIP spiked from 1.18 to 1.26.

This is the first time Ohtani allowed seven earned runs in a start since Sept. 10, 2015, when he played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, according to Sportsnet Stats. He allowed five earned runs without recording an out in his 2020 season debut.

Ohtani was spared the loss when the Angels erupted for seven runs of their own off Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning, winning the game 11-8.