The Los Angeles Angels erased an early four-run deficit with consistent offensive production, including two home runs from Jo Adell and another from Chris Taylor, to defeat the Seattle Mariners 8-6 on Saturday night at Angel Stadium.
The Angels, who entered the game as slight underdogs with betting odds hovering around +115, rallied for their second consecutive win over Seattle, capitalizing on defensive miscues and a depleted Mariners pitching staff to take control by the middle innings. The Mariners, meanwhile, extended their losing streak to five games and have now dropped 12 of their last 17 contests, a stretch that has narrowed their cushion in the American League West.
Adell, who has seen increased playing time recently, continued his hot streak at the plate. He connected on a 431-foot solo homer in the second inning and followed with a 445-foot shot to center field in the fourth, giving Los Angeles a 5-4 lead. He later added an RBI single in the seventh, contributing three runs batted in and raising his season average to .224 after entering the game hitting .184 just ten games ago.
Taylor, who entered the game in the second inning for Jorge Soler after the Angels’ designated hitter left with groin tightness, made an immediate impact. He homered to lead off the bottom of the second, sparking a sequence in which the Angels scored in six consecutive innings. It marked the club’s first achievement since the 2011 season.
Seattle initially built a 4-0 advantage, with Cal Raleigh accounting for much of the early damage. The Mariners catcher hit a three-run homer in the first inning and added a solo shot in the ninth, giving him a league-leading 26 home runs. Cole Young also chipped in offensively, doubling and scoring in the second and adding an RBI single in the sixth to briefly cut the deficit to 6-5.
The Angels tied the game in the third by capitalizing on two Seattle defensive errors. Zach Neto contributed an RBI single in the sixth, and Nolan Schanuel and Taylor Ward added key doubles in the fifth to give Los Angeles a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish.
Starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz lasted only 3 1/3 innings for the Angels, allowing four runs before being lifted with runners on the corners. Reliever Connor Brogdon (1-0) entered and navigated out of the jam by striking out J.P. Crawford and retiring Leody Taveras to maintain the 4-4 tie.
Angels closer Kenley Jansen gave up Raleigh’s second homer in the ninth but completed the inning to earn his 14th save of the season. Mariners starter Luis Castillo (4-4) lost after giving up five earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.
The series concludes Sunday afternoon with George Kirby (0-3, 8.56 ERA), who is scheduled to start for Seattle against Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-2, 3.86 ERA).
