Ohtani strikes 29 as Angels defeat Yankees

Aaron Judge connected for his 50th home run of the season, though Shoehi Ohtani also blew a walk-off homer in the all-star duel, and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the struggling New York Yankees 4-3 on Monday.

The two leading American League MVP candidates connected in a packed stadium that included many Yankees fans. Ohtani broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth with his 29th home run, a two-run blast.

Judge connected in the eighth off reliever Ryan Tepera to make it 4-3.

With his parents in the stands, the California-born slugger became one of 10 players in major league history with more than a 50-homer season. Judge totaled 52 in 2017.

The top-seeded Yankees attempted a rally in the ninth, but reigning American League Most Valuable Player Mike Trout made sure to catch a ball up the middle on a hit by Oswaldo Cabrera with a runner on first and put the final out.

New York, which leads the American League East by seven games over the Tampa Bay Rays, has strung together three losses away from home. The Angels, who have struggled mightily this season, have won four straight.

Angels Venezuelan starter Jose Suarez (5-6) limited the Yankees to two runs and three hits in six innings and picked up the victory. Jimmy Herget earned his fourth save with two outs.

The loss went to Dominican Frankie Montas (4-11), who allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings.

For the Yankees, Venezuelans Gleyber Torres (4-0) and Cabrera (4-1).

For the Angels, Venezuelan Luis Rengifo (4-1) with a run scored and an RBI.