Johan Rojas smashed a two-run home run in the ninth inning, shortly after Nick Castellanos’ game-tying homer, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.
Down 5-4 with one out and no one on base in the ninth, the Phillies avoided what could have been only their second consecutive loss since March, as they hammered three extra-base hits on five pitches from Angels closer Carlos Estévez (0-1), who suffered his second blown save of the season in a stunning turn of events.
Following Castellanos’ solo shot to right field, Bryson Stott doubled and crossed home plate on Rojas’ first homer of the season.
“It’s huge to come through, especially with the struggles I’ve had this season,” said Castellanos, who had three hits, snapping out of his 3-for-27 slump over the past seven games. “So, just to help the team, it feels fantastic.”
Luis Rengifo’s three-run homer in the sixth inning boosted the Angels temporarily, as they tried to adjust to life without Mike Trout, enduring another tough loss. Los Angeles has now lost 10 of their last 12 games.
Earlier in the day, the Angels announced Trout would undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The three-time AL MVP outfielder is sidelined indefinitely with a significant injury for the fourth consecutive season, and the news was emotional for Trout, who fought back tears discussing it before the game.
Rengifo had three hits, Zach Neto also homered, and Mickey Moniak contributed an RBI single for the Angels.
“We missed some chances early in the game, and then we came alive,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “(Rengifo) gave us a boost with a three-run homer, putting us ahead. We got into the position we wanted. We just needed to get two more outs. Unfortunately, we didn’t get them.”
