Logan O’Hoppe smashed a three-run home run in the eighth inning, powering the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, marking their longest winning streak of the season.
O’Hoppe’s pivotal homer was backed by a stellar performance from the Angels’ bullpen, which allowed just one hit over 6 1/3 innings and retired the final 16 batters they faced.
Manager Ron Washington highlighted the team’s success with pitching, defense, and timely hitting, emphasizing it as a winning formula for the game.
Luis Rengifo, leading the American League in batting, contributed with two hits, including a two-run homer in the second inning, boosting his average to .315.
Detroit’s Kenta Maeda exited the game in the sixth inning after a hard-hit ball struck his glove hand and stomach.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch cited Maeda’s pitch count and the upcoming batter as reasons for the decision, with Maeda finishing with two runs allowed on six hits and four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.
After managing only two singles, Detroit struggled offensively, reflecting on their recent challenges. Hinch acknowledged the team’s need to find solutions during difficult stretches.
Angels starter Zach Plesac left the game after 2 2/3 innings due to four consecutive walks. Luis García earned the win, while Carlos Estévez secured his 16th save of the season.
Reflecting on his game-changing moment, O’Hoppe described how he envisioned and focused on that key at-bat, delivering with a first-pitch homer that soared 418 feet over left field.
