Sho hits another HR as Dodgers win; the Angels lose again

DODGERS’ Shohei Ohtani hit his 12th homer of the season vs. the Giants (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Close, the ancient wisdom says, only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades. On Tuesday night the Los Angeles Angels rallied and came close, losing 7-6 to the St. Louis Cardinals, and indeed, it only counted as a loss, their fifth loss in six games and their 16th home defeat against five wins.

After falling behind 5-0 early, the Halos rallied to tie the game at 5-5, the biggest hit being a three-run home run by catcher Logan O’Hoppe in the fourth.

A throwing error, a wild pitch and a failed bunt attempt contributed to the loss.

In San Francisco, the Los Angeles Dodgers scored early and late in beating the Giants 10-2 and extended their lead in the National League West race. If you can call it that.

Shohei Ohtani had three hits, including a 446-foot home run, his 12th of the season, which ties him for the National League lead. Gavin Stone (4-1) pitched six strong innings, yielding just five hits and one earned run. He struck out two batters and walked three.

With the win, the Dodgers are 29-15, which gives them a 7.5-game lead in the National League West over the San Diego Padres.