The Los Angeles Angels completed a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees with a 7-3 win at Angel Stadium on Wednesday night that got them back to a game over .500.
The Angels offense wasted no time jumping on Carlos Rodón as they put up two runs each in the first three innings. Taylor Ward began the scoring with a two-run homer in the bottom of the first, his 11th of the season.
Ward’s home run not only gave L.A. an early lead, but also helped them tie a franchise record. The Angels have now homered in 18 consecutive games dating back to June 26, matching the 1982 team that accomplished the feat from July 26-August 13.
Unsurprisingly, Shohei Ohtani leads the club with 10 home runs during their home run stretch. Mickey Moniak and Mike Moustakas both have four.
The #Angels have tied a franchise with home runs in 18 consecutive games. It was also accomplished July 26 – Aug. 13, 1982 https://t.co/5mAX9rQIRH
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) July 19, 2023
While the Angels have put on a power display over the last three weeks, they are only 7-11 since the start of their home run streak. The team’s struggles can be attributed to a stockpile of injuries and poor pitching.
The Angels will have a chance to break the franchise record for most consecutive games with a home run on Friday when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game series.
Shohei Ohtani focused on Angels despite possible trade
At 49-48, the Angels hold a slim chance of making the playoffs as they are nine games behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West and 4.5 out of a Wild Card spot.
There is a growing belief that the team could possibly trade Ohtani before the MLB trade deadline on August 1 if they don’t turn things around quickly. The two-way star nonetheless remains focused on the Angels and not on a potential trade or his upcoming free agency.
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