In a low-scoring contest defined by pitching and a timely infield hit, the Los Angeles Angels earned a narrow 1-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field. Former White Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada delivered the game’s only run with a crucial eighth-inning single, while José Soriano led the Angels’ pitching staff with an outstanding performance.
With two outs in the eighth, Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler drew a walk against Chicago reliever Mike Clevinger. A wild pitch then allowed Soler to advance to third, as catcher Matt Thaiss briefly lost track of the ball. On the next play, Moncada connected on a ground ball back up the middle that deflected off Clevinger’s glove, giving him an infield single and driving in Soler for the decisive run. The hit marked a notable moment for Moncada, who spent the previous eight seasons with the White Sox before joining the Angels during the offseason.
The lone run proved sufficient, thanks to a dominant outing from Soriano. The right-hander worked seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out five and walking two. Soriano, who made 20 starts and two relief appearances in 2023 before being sidelined with arm fatigue, showed no signs of lingering effects. His command and efficiency kept the White Sox from mounting significant threats throughout his outing.
Ben Joyce handled the eighth inning for Los Angeles, maintaining the shutout with a clean frame. Closer Kenley Jansen came on for the ninth and earned his first save of the season. Jansen struck out Miguel Vargas and Luis Robert Jr. before walking Andrew Benintendi. The right-hander then induced a routine grounder from Andrew Vaughn to end the game, securing his 448th career save.
Chicago’s offense managed just two hits, both singles from Benintendi and Brooks Baldwin. White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon kept his team in the game with five strong innings, yielding four hits while recording five strikeouts and issuing three walks. Clevinger, who took the loss, pitched three innings in relief and was charged with the game’s only run.
Los Angeles center fielder Jo Adell exited the game in the fifth inning after reaching base on an infield hit. The Angels later announced that he left due to tightness in his left hip, and his status moving forward remains uncertain.
The Angels and White Sox will meet again on Sunday to conclude their season-opening three-game series. Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz is expected to take the mound for Los Angeles, while Chicago will counter with right-hander Davis Martin.
Betting markets have opened with the Angels listed as slight favorites on the moneyline at -115, while the White Sox are posted at +105. The over/under for total runs scored is 8.5, reflecting expectations of a tighter contest in line with Saturday’s pitching duel.