Anthony Rendon and Taylor Ward hit singles that brought in runs off pitcher Pete Fairbanks in the ninth inning, helping the Los Angeles Angels secure a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.
The Angels’ victory came after a tough loss the day before, when the Rays managed to tie the game in the ninth inning and eventually win in the 13th inning.
“Resilience is key,” Angels manager Ron Washington commented. “We faced a challenge last night, and tonight we came back with determination to win today’s game.”
Fairbanks decided to intentionally walk Mike Trout before Ward’s crucial hit with two outs. Ward has been performing well lately, with 21 runs batted in over 18 games.
“I wouldn’t have taken the risk of pitching to Mike myself,” Washington added. “That’s why we rely on Taylor Ward behind him. It’s a tough choice for the opposing team.”
Fairbanks, struggling with a 9.00 ERA this season, expressed his frustration with his performance.
The Rays briefly took the lead in the eighth inning when Amed Rosario hit a two-run homer off Hunter Strickland, but the Angels responded with key hits in the ninth to secure the win.
Trout also contributed with a solo home run in the first inning, marking his eighth homer of the season.
Angels’ starter Reid Detmers pitched well, allowing only one earned run over 5 1/3 innings. He had previously performed impressively in his other starts against the Rays.
The Angels showcased smart baserunning in the fifth inning, with Nolan Schanuel advancing to score on Rendon’s single after some clever moves on the basepaths.
It was a hard-fought win for the Angels, who managed to hold off the Rays’ late rally and secure the victory.
