SHOHEI OHTANI hit a three-run homer Friday in the Angels’ 5-2 win over the White Sox. Mike Trout walked twice, had a single, scored a run and drove one in as well (Angels photo).

In what might reasonably be considered a lost season, there’s been one especially new and bright spot: Shohei Ohtani. Sure, he’s got an elbow injury that could keep him off the pitcher’s mound until 2020, but there’s nothing wrong with his batting eye.

The Japanese import hit a three-run home run in the third inning that was the difference in the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night in the Windy City. Ohtani’s 19th homer set a new mark for rookies from Japan, and it was his fourth round-tripper in three games.

That blast also propelled the Halos (69-72) to their third win in four games. Ohtani wasn’t the only Angel to go deep; Andrelton Simmons hit his 11th home run in the seventh. Mike Trout walked twice, drove in a run with a single and scored a run.

The Angels also got a strong pitching performance from Felix Pena (2-4), who worked seven innings and gave up seven hits and two runs. Ty Buttrey picked up his first save in working a perfect ninth.

On Saturday, the Halos will seek to keep some momentum going when they again take on the Pale Sox in Chicago. The starting pitcher for the Orange County team hasn’t yet been announced.