Shohei Ohtani had his longest start since arriving in the majors, pitching into the eighth inning to earn his fourth win of the season Sunday in the Los Angeles Angels' 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Japanese two-way sensation (4-1) allowed two runs on six hits while striking out nine in 7-2/3 innings of work as he helped the Angels halt a five-game skid. Ohtani threw 110 pitches, also his most in the majors.

Ohtani gave up a solo shot to Johnny Field to start the third, but retired the next 12 straight Rays. He touched 99 miles per hour (159 kph) on the gun, and came out of the game to a standing ovation at Angel Stadium in the eighth.

(Shohei Ohtani comes out to a rousing ovation at Angel Stadium.)

"I didn't feel great, but still managed to put together a decent start," Ohtani said. "I pitched into the eighth, which was also good."

"I'm glad I could stop our slide. I let them on the board first, but I found a way to go long and help us win the ballgame. I thought we could win this one because the mood in the dugout was good, even after I gave up the home run."

Asked if he was inspired in any way to go deep into the game after facing the Houston Astros' former American League MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander on Wednesday, Ohtani said he couldn't pitch like Verlander if he tried.

"He's on a completely different level," Ohtani said. "It was a really good lesson for me in terms of where I need to be at eventually, but it's not something I can achieve by my next start. That's way down the road."

More on Ohtani:

FACTFILE: Everything you need to know about Shohei Ohtani

Baseball: Ohtani shows improvement but Angels' woes continue

Ohtani fans three times, in awe of dominant Verlander

Exclusive Ohtani gear sells out in one day