Angels clinch series with 5-2 victory over Rangers in Anaheim
Los Angeles secures first two-game winning streak since early May, ending a prolonged slump against Texas.
The Los Angeles Angels secured a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night in Anaheim, clinching the series and marking their first two-game winning streak since May 5-6. The win concludes a prolonged slump for the Angels, who have struggled to string consecutive victories together for the past two months.
Mike Trout provided the early momentum with a two-run home run in the first inning, his 13th of the season. The shot cleared the center-field wall to give the Angels a 2-0 lead after Zach Neto walked to open the frame. The Rangers responded in the second inning when Ezequiel Duran hit a sacrifice fly to score their first run.
Nolan Schanuel extended the Angels’ advantage in the fifth inning with an RBI double that scored Neto, making the score 3-1. Schanuel exited the game shortly after the play due to left calf tightness, with Vaughn Grissom replacing him at first base.
Angels pitcher Walbert Ureña (2-4) delivered a steady performance, pitching five innings and allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six. Kirby Yates secured the win by recording his first save of the season, pitching a hitless ninth inning.
Texas Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi (5-5) allowed three runs and five hits over seven innings, striking out six. Kyle Higashioka hit his third home run of the year in the seventh inning, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Oswald Peraza added an insurance run in the eighth with a two-run single.
The Angels recorded eight hits and only six strikeouts, marking their second consecutive game with more hits than strikeouts. Reid Detmers (1-5, 5.07 ERA) is scheduled to pitch on Sunday for the Angels, while the Rangers had not announced a starter for the series finale at the time of reporting.
