This team tends to play to the level of its opposition. And while the White Sox have played better baseball as of late, the Tampa Bay Rays are actually above .500 and in the Wild Card race. So of course the Angels are able to beat the better team.
Jo Adell got the Angels on the board early with his 22nd home run of the year. This shot to left erased a 1 run deficit and put the Angels on top 2-1.
Yusei Kikuchi gave up a run to the Rays in the top of the first but then settled down nicely. He went 6 innings giving up only that 1 run while striking out 7 Rays. Walks are often a problem for Kikuchi but he only handed out 2 free passes on the night. He had to battle in the first and third innings, but he limited the damage and dominated in his final 3 frames. All in all, a really nice outing by the Angels best starter.
After scoring 2 in the bottom of the second inning, the Angels doubled their run total in the bottom of the third on this Taylor Ward single. When Trout touched home plate, that notched 100 RBI for Ward on the season.
The Angels could have added even more runs in the 3rd inning if not for an outstanding play by Rays left fielder Jake Mangum.
The score held at 4-1 until the home half of the 6th inning. That’s when Zach Neto’s double scored Bryce Teodosio, who had a heck of a game. On the night, the newest Angels outfielder had 3 hits including a double and a run scored. The kid has some serious wheels and it would be great if he can stick at the MLB level.
Birthday boy Burke pitched a scoreless 7th inning and Ryan Zerferjahn put up a 0 in the 8th. Conor Brogdon handled the 9th inning and brought the win home.
Light up the Halo! Angels win the opening game of the series.
