Jo Adell hit a two-run home run and Yusei Kikuchi delivered a strong start on the mound as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5–1 on Monday night at Angel Stadium. The Angels, who entered the game as -115 betting favorites, took control early and never trailed after the second inning.
Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. Yandy Díaz doubled to right field and came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Junior Caminero. The Rays could not build on the early momentum, as Kikuchi limited the damage and settled in for a productive outing.
Kikuchi, a left-hander making his 20th start of the season, allowed four hits and one earned run over six innings. He struck out seven and walked two, improving his record to 5–7. The outing marked Kikuchi’s fourth straight appearance allowing two runs or fewer and helped the Angels end a short losing streak.
Los Angeles responded quickly in the second inning. After Yoán Moncada reached on a fielder’s choice, Adell connected on a 428-foot home run to left-center field off Tampa Bay starter Adrian Houser, putting the Angels in front 2–1. The homer was Adell’s 24th of the season and his sixth in the last 15 games.
The Angels extended their lead in the third inning. A pitch hit Nolan Schanuel, and Mike Trout followed with a double to left field. Taylor Ward then singled to center, driving in both runners and giving Los Angeles a 4–1 advantage. Ward finished the game with three hits, continuing an intense stretch at the plate in recent weeks.
In the sixth inning, Bryce Teodosio doubled to lead off the frame, and Zach Neto brought him home with a double of his own, pushing the lead to 5–1. Teodosio, like Ward, had three hits in the game as the Angels’ offense compiled 11 hits off Houser.
Houser, who entered the game with a 6–2 record, lasted 5 2/3 innings. He allowed five earned runs on 11 hits and recorded three strikeouts in the loss, dropping his record to 6–3. It was his second loss in his last four outings after a strong start to the season.
Angels pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts in the game and held Tampa Bay to five hits. Christopher Morel went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts for the Rays, who fell to 58–63 on the season. The Angels improved to 54–60 and have won four last seven games.
The two teams will meet again Tuesday night in the second game of the series. Right-hander Ryan Pepiot (6–9, 3.80 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Rays. The Angels will counter with right-hander José Soriano (7–8, 3.65 ERA), seeking his first win since July 10.
