ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout ignited a comeback with a pivotal home run, propelling the Los Angeles Angels to a decisive 8-2 triumph over the Washington Nationals on Saturday evening. This rally began in the seventh inning, transforming the game’s momentum with a flurry of runs.
The Angels’ Kyle Hendricks played a steady game on the mound, pitching for five innings and allowing just one run. It was rookie Christian Moore who stepped up with a crucial decisive hit in the seventh inning, batting in the go-ahead run. Gustavo Campero later added to the home run tally, contributing another blow to the Nationals.
Washington’s CJ Abrams managed a home run, while starter Michael Soroka provided a notable six innings of two-hit pitching. The Nationals briefly led in the seventh inning when Riley Adams achieved an RBI single off Ryan Zeferjahn, who holds a 5-1 record. However, Trout responded for the Angels with a home run against Zach Brzykcy, leveling the score with his 13th homer of the season.
Following Trout’s equalizer, the Angels sent a parade of batters to the plate. Kevin Newman, hitting at the tail end of the lineup, marked his first home run this season with a three-run shot off Eduardo Salazar, advancing the Angels to a 6-2 lead. Important contributions in hits came from Taylor Ward with a double, Jo Adell with a single, and Moore with his crucial RBI.
The Angels further extended their lead when Ward’s bases-loaded walk and Luis Rengifo’s double made the scoreboard read 7-2. Campero rounded off the scoring with a homer in the eighth inning.
Initially, the Angels seized a 1-0 advantage in the second inning after Ward, having been hit by a pitch, crossed the plate thanks to Logan O’Hoppe’s grounder. The Nationals evened the score in the fifth through Abrams’ 12th home run.
Despite walking one and striking out five, Soroka received a no-decision. Notably, Salazar almost evaded further trouble in the seventh inning, having stricken out O’Hoppe and having Zach Neto pop out, but Moore’s well-struck single bolstered Los Angeles’ lead further. It was a crucial hit when the game needed it, giving the Angels a 3-2 lead.
Statistically speaking, Soroka exhibited a strong first five innings with a 3.49 ERA but seemed to struggle as he gave way to Newman’s sixth-inning leadoff single. Nevertheless, he responded with a skillful 1-6-3 double play and induced a pop-out from Nolan Schanuel to maintain the existing tie.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s series finale will feature Nationals’ left-hander Mitchell Parker facing off against the Angels’ right-hander Jack Kochanowicz.