CHICAGO — In a closely contested game, Yoán Moncada delivered a decisive RBI single in the eighth inning, helping the Los Angeles Angels secure a 1-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Moncada, formerly with the White Sox for eight seasons, managed to swing the game for the Angels with his hit against his old team.
The scoring play was set up when Jorge Soler reached on a walk with two outs in the eighth. Advancing to third after a wild pitch from Mike Clevinger, Soler showcased his base-running agility. Catcher Matt Thaiss had difficulty locating the ball, allowing Soler to advance. Moncada’s timely grounder up the middle clipped off Clevinger’s glove, resulting in an infield single that drove Soler home.
José Soriano starred on the mound for the Angels, pitching seven dominating innings, and allowing only two hits. He struck out five batters while issuing two walks. Soriano, who last season had a record of 6-7 with a 3.42 ERA for the Angels, made an impressive return after being sidelined due to right arm fatigue late in the previous season.
The Angels’ bullpen held firm with Ben Joyce handling the eighth, before Kenley Jansen closed out the game to earn his first save of the season, sealing the victory and preserving the two-hit shutout. Notably, Jansen achieved his 448th career save in the process.
On the offensive side for Chicago, Jonathan Cannon pitched steadily through five innings, surrendering four hits while striking out five and walking three. Unfortunately for the White Sox, Benintendi and Brooks Baldwin were the only players to manage hits on the day.
A moment of concern for the Angels arose in the fifth inning when center fielder Jo Adell had to leave the game after reaching first base with an infield hit. The team announced that Adell had been experiencing tightness in his left hip.
The series between the teams is set to conclude on Sunday, with Jack Kochanowicz scheduled to pitch for the Angels and Davis Martin set to take the mound for the White Sox.