Italian rookie Sam Aldegheri secured his first major league win as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Texas Rangers 5-1 on Friday night. Aldegheri allowed one run on three hits over six innings, striking out seven batters and walking three. This victory marked a significant moment for Aldegheri, the first major league pitcher born and raised in Italy.
Logan O’Hoppe further boosted the Angels with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, propelling the team to victory. O’Hoppe’s impressive hit came off a changeup by reliever José Ureña, after a fielding error allowed Anthony Rendon to reach base and Mickey Moniak to single. The home run was O’Hoppe’s 19th of the season, a career-best for the player.
In the third inning, the Angels took a 2-0 lead against Texas pitcher Gerson Garabito, who was making his second start of the season. Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel contributed RBIs for the Angels during this inning.
Veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Friday as a member of the Texas Rangers. Andrus, a two-time AL All-Star, spent 12 of his 15 big league seasons with the Rangers, expressing pride in giving his all throughout his career.
The Angels’ Taylor Ward extended his on-base streak to 16 games with a single and a walk during Friday’s game. In injury news, Angels’ RF Jo Adell left the game with left oblique irritation after striking out in the second inning.
Next up, Angels All-Star LHP Tyler Anderson was scheduled to face rookie RHP Jack Leiter in the following game on Saturday. It was a significant moment for baseball fans as Elvis Andrus bid farewell to his playing career, capping off a remarkable tenure in the Major Leagues.
