Mike Trout hit a two-run homer during a big fifth inning, helping the Los Angeles Angels secure a 7-3 win against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
Trout’s homer, his seventh this season, gave the Angels a 2-1 lead. Then, Matt Thaiss widened the gap to 5-1 with a three-run double.
Angels manager Ron Washington praised Trout’s timely hit, saying it gave the team a boost. This wasn’t unusual for Trout, who has a strong record of clutch homers late in games, especially against Tampa Bay.
Later in the ninth inning, Taylor Ward added a two-run homer off Kevin Kelly, pushing the Angels’ lead to 7-3. Luis Garcia, the reliever, earned the win for his solid performance.
On the Rays’ side, Harold Ramírez’s two-run homer in the eighth inning off Matt Moore brought them within striking distance at 5-3.
Washington explained that he made some strategic changes to the lineup to spark the offense, moving Trout and Ward to different spots. Miguel Sanó, batting fourth, contributed with three hits.
Despite entering the game with middle-of-the-pack batting statistics, the Angels found success against Tampa Bay’s bullpen, which has been struggling with a high ERA.
The Rays’ starting pitcher, Zach Eflin, performed well, allowing only six hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. However, he had to deal with some close calls, including a hard-hit liner that nearly struck him in the wrist.
The Angels’ offense prevailed, backed by a strong pitching performance from Patrick Sandoval, who limited the Rays to just one run over five innings.
