The Los Angeles Angels held on for a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, surviving a tense ninth inning behind reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. Mike Trout, Jorge Soler, and Zach Neto each hit home runs as Los Angeles built enough offense to withstand Chicago’s late pressure.
The Angels controlled much of the middle innings but nearly lost the advantage in the final frame. Zeferjahn loaded the bases before recording the final out to secure his first save of the season. The win gave Los Angeles another close result in a game shaped by timely hitting and late defensive execution.
Early Offense Sets Pace
Chicago struck first in the opening inning. The White Sox scored two runs against Angels starter Sam Aldegheri, applying pressure immediately and forcing Los Angeles to respond early.
The Angels answered in the bottom half of the inning. Mike Trout tied the game with a solo home run to left field, his 11th of the season and the 415th of his career. The blast continued a productive stretch for Trout, who reached base four times during the game.
One batter later, Jorge Soler added another solo home run to even the score at 2-2. The back-to-back response shifted momentum and stabilized the Angels after the rough start on the mound.
Los Angeles maintained pressure throughout the early innings. The lineup created consistent traffic on the bases and forced White Sox starter Erick Fedde into difficult counts.
Neto Breaks Slump With Key Homer
Zach Neto delivered the game’s decisive swing in the fifth inning. After ending a 0-for-23 slump with a single earlier in the game, Neto hit a two-out solo home run to give the Angels a 3-2 lead.
The home run marked Neto’s first since April 10 and provided an important breakthrough after several difficult weeks at the plate. His reaction reflected visible relief as the Angels regained control.
Trout followed with a walk and later scored from first base on a double by Nolan Schanuel. That sequence extended the lead to 4-2 and ended Fedde’s outing.
The Angels continued to pressure Chicago through aggressive baserunning and efficient situational hitting. Their top hitters contributed throughout the lineup, something the team had not accomplished consistently this season.
White Sox Stay Within Reach
Chicago remained competitive despite falling behind. Chase Meidroth led off the seventh inning with a solo home run against Sam Bachman, cutting the deficit to one run and keeping the White Sox within striking distance.
The White Sox also continued to receive steady production from key hitters. Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas each extended their on-base streaks to 18 games, showing consistency even in a losing effort.
Chicago created additional opportunities late but struggled to capitalize fully. The team generated pressure in the eighth and ninth innings yet failed to produce the tying run.
Zeferjahn Escapes Ninth-Inning Trouble
Ryan Zeferjahn faced immediate trouble after entering the game in the ninth inning. He hit a batter and issued two walks, loading the bases and giving Chicago a strong chance to complete the comeback.
The right-hander managed to recover despite the lack of control. Earlier in the eighth inning, he struck out rookie slugger Munetaka Murakami with a runner aboard to end a key threat. Murakami entered the game tied with Aaron Judge for the rookie home run lead.
In the ninth, Zeferjahn forced Edgar Quero into a game-ending groundout to secure the save. The final sequence preserved a narrow win and highlighted the Angels’ ability to hold together under pressure.
Sam Aldegheri allowed two runs on four hits across four innings in his sixth major league start. He settled down after the opening inning and gave Los Angeles enough stability to stay in the game.
José Fermin earned the win after delivering a scoreless fifth inning. The Angels used multiple relievers to manage the final innings before turning to Zeferjahn.
Fedde took the loss for Chicago after allowing four runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struggled particularly during the fifth, when the Angels created separation with Neto’s homer and Schanuel’s RBI double.
Balanced Production Helps Angels
The Angels received offensive contributions throughout the lineup. The top four hitters each drove in a run, marking the first time the team accomplished that feat since June 2021.
Trout remained central to the offense with a home run, two walks, and a single. Soler provided power early, while Neto delivered the game-winning run. Schanuel’s extra-base hit added an important insurance run during the middle innings.
The White Sox continued to show resilience despite the loss. Their lineup remained active late, but the inability to deliver in key moments prevented a comeback.
Chicago will close the series on Wednesday with left-hander Noah Schultz scheduled to start. The Angels are expected to counter with right-hander Walbert Ureña.
