The Los Angeles Angels tied a dubious major league record when they smashed seven home runs — all solo shots — but still lost to the Oakland Athletics 8-7 on Thursday in Anaheim, California.
The Angels are just the second team to hit seven solo homers and lose, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. They’re also the first team in the majors to hit seven solo homers and score no other runs in a game.
“I guess they always say solo home runs don’t beat you, but you feel like if you hit seven, you might. It didn’t work out for us,” Angels interim manager Phil Nevin said.
Shohei Ohtani, who left Wednesday night’s game due to a left forearm cramp, bounced back with two of the homers and two RBIs. It was his 11th multihomer game in the majors and fifth this season.
Kurt Suzuki, Taylor Ward, Jo Adell and Jared Walsh also went deep for the Angels, who went 2-5 on their homestand. The seven homers also ties an overall franchise record.
The Chicago White Sox in 2016 were the only other team to hit seven solo home runs and lose, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. In total, only six teams have hit seven solo homers in a game, win or lose, in MLB history.