Rookie right-hander Ryan Johnson turned in the best start of his young major league career, allowing just one hit over six scoreless innings while Nolan Schanuel provided early offense with a two-run homer as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Tuesday night.
Johnson (1-2), making just his third career start, carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Jeremiah Jackson lined a one-out single to center field. The 2024 second-round draft pick walked one, struck out a career-high eight batters and completed a career-best six innings while throwing 90 pitches.
The victory gave Johnson his second career win and helped the Angels slow a Baltimore offense that had scored 18 runs over its previous two games.
Schanuel Sets the Tone Early
The Angels wasted little time taking control.
Nolan Schanuel opened the scoring in the first inning by driving a two-run home run to right-center field off Orioles starter Shane Baz, giving Los Angeles a quick 2-0 advantage.
The Angels added more insurance in the fifth inning. Jose Siri led off with a single before Zach Neto doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left, extending the lead to 4-0.
Jorge Soler later added a sacrifice fly, pushing the advantage to 5-0.
Johnson Silences Baltimore
Johnson dominated from the outset, consistently keeping Orioles hitters off balance.
The only baserunner he allowed before the sixth inning came on a walk, and Baltimore struggled to generate solid contact throughout his outing.
His no-hit bid ended when Jeremiah Jackson lined a clean single to center with one out in the sixth, but Johnson finished the inning without further trouble before exiting after six scoreless frames.
Orioles Break Through Late
Baltimore finally got on the scoreboard after Johnson departed.
In the seventh inning, Gunnar Henderson singled and Pete Alonso walked against reliever Samy Natera Jr. before Leody Taveras delivered a two-out RBI single off Chase Silseth, accounting for the Orioles’ only run.
The Angels’ bullpen prevented any further damage and closed out the victory.
Baz Takes the Loss
Orioles starter Shane Baz (4-8) surrendered five runs on eight hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out five as Baltimore’s three-game winning streak came to an end.
The Orioles continued to play without second baseman Jackson Holliday, who missed his third consecutive game with a groin injury. Utility player Blaze Alexander also remained sidelined with a knee injury.
Up Next
The Orioles and Angels conclude the three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.
Probable starters:
- Orioles: RHP Trey Gibson (1-2, 5.81 ERA)
- Angels: RHP José Soriano (8-4, 3.03 ERA)
