Jo Adell crushed a two-run homer and Yusei Kikuchi struck out seven over six strong innings as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 on Monday night at Angel Stadium.
The Rays scored in the first inning when Yandy Díaz doubled and came home on Junior Caminero’s sacrifice fly. But Kikuchi (5-7) limited the damage, allowing just four hits and two walks while recording seven strikeouts across six efficient innings.
Adell gave the Angels the lead in the second with a towering 428-foot shot to left-center off Rays starter Adrian Houser (6-3). The two-run blast came after Yoán Moncada reached on a fielder’s choice.
Los Angeles added to the lead in the third. After a pitch hit Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout doubled, Taylor Ward drove both runners in with a single to center, extending the Angels’ lead to 4-1.
In the sixth, Bryce Teodosio doubled and scored on Zach Neto’s RBI double, pushing the lead to 5-1. That closed the book on Houser, who allowed 11 hits and five runs over 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts.
Angels pitching combined for 12 strikeouts on the night, while Tampa Bay’s Christopher Morel struggled at the plate, finishing 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.
Key Moment:
With two on and no outs in the third, Ward delivered a clutch two-run single that gave the Angels a comfortable 4-1 lead early in the game.
Key Stat:
Taylor Ward and Bryce Teodosio collected three hits, leading the Angels’ 12-hit attack.
Up Next:
The series continues Tuesday night with Tampa Bay sending right-hander Ryan Pepiot (6-9, 3.80 ERA) to the mound against Angels righty José Soriano (7-8, 3.65 ERA).
