The Los Angeles Angels secured a 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night at Angel Stadium, aided by rookie Matthew Lugo’s first career hit and an early home run from Jo Adell. The victory ended a five-game losing streak for Jack Kochanowicz and evened the three-game series heading into Sunday’s finale.
Before the game, sportsbooks listed the Angels as narrow favorites with moneyline odds around -120, while the Orioles stood at even money (+100). The matchup reflected the relative struggles of both clubs, with each entering the contest near the bottom of their respective divisions.
Kochanowicz, who had not recorded a win since April, delivered a solid performance to lift the Angels. The right-hander pitched five and one-third innings, allowing one run on four hits and four walks while striking out three. His efforts were supported by a bullpen that combined to hold the Orioles to a single run over the final three and two-thirds innings.
Los Angeles opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. In his third start for the Orioles, Kyle Gibson allowed three singles within his first seven pitches, leading to two runs for the Angels. Luis Rengifo later added to the tally with a bases-loaded groundout in the fifth, and Lugo contributed an RBI triple in the fourth inning to extend the Angels’ lead. The three-bagger marked Lugo’s first hit in the majors and drove in Kyren Paris, who had singled earlier in the frame.
Jo Adell added insurance with his third home run in five games, a solo shot to left field that preceded Lugo’s triple. The right fielder continues to show power, contributing regularly in the middle of the Angels’ lineup.
Baltimore could not generate sustained offense, collecting only six hits against five Angels pitchers. The Orioles’ only scoring came on an RBI double by Ryan Mountcastle in the sixth inning and a pinch-hit solo home run by Ramón Laureano in the ninth. Laureano’s homer marked the Orioles’ first pinch-hit home run since June 6 of the previous season.
Gibson took the loss for Baltimore, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks in four and two-thirds innings. The veteran right-hander has yet to pitch past the fourth inning this season, highlighting the continued instability in the Orioles’ injury-riddled rotation.
The Angels improved to 21-25 with the win, while the Orioles dropped to 20-27. The Angels will aim to secure the series victory on Sunday with left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-0, 2.68 ERA) scheduled to start. Baltimore is expected to counter with Zach Eflin (2-1, 3.00 ERA), who returns to the rotation after spending a month on the injured list due to a strained back muscle.
Both teams continue to navigate rebuilding seasons while seeking consistency on both sides of the ball. Sunday’s finale will determine the outcome of the three-game set.
