The Los Angeles Angels secured their eighth consecutive win on Friday night, defeating the Miami Marlins 7-4 in the opening game of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. Taylor Ward and Jorge Soler each hit solo home runs to help the Angels build an early lead and maintain their momentum coming off a 9-2 road trip.
Ward’s second-inning home run marked his 15th of the season and seventh during the team’s recent road swing, including two grand slams. His home run streak contributed to a club-record seventh straight game in which the Angels have hit at least two home runs. Los Angeles also extended its streak of consecutive games with a home run to 13, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
Right-hander Yusei Kikuchi (1-4) earned his first win in 11 starts this season, pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He allowed seven hits and issued four walks while striking out five. Kenley Jansen, appearing in the ninth inning, walked two batters but recorded the final three outs to register his 11th save in as many opportunities.
Offensively, the Angels added to their early advantage in the fourth inning. Logan O’Hoppe drove in Ward with a double, and Ward added an RBI with a sacrifice fly. In the sixth, Los Angeles scored three more runs on a sequence that included a hit batter, a catcher’s interference call, and another sacrifice fly, extending their lead to 6-0.
The Marlins responded late in the game. Miami’s starting pitcher, Sandy Alcantara (2-7), allowed six runs (five earned) over 5 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and striking out six. Eric Wagaman paced the Marlins’ offense with three hits, including a solo home run in the seventh inning and a two-run single in the eighth. Kyle Stowers contributed with three hits of his own, including an RBI double. Stowers has reached base in 20 consecutive games and is currently on a 10-game hitting streak.
Hunter Strickland relieved Kikuchi in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and two outs. He induced a ground ball from Liam Hicks, which shortstop Zach Neto fielded and threw to first base in time to end the inning and preserve the shutout at that stage.
Ward’s performance extended his personal streak of games with an extra-base hit to nine, tying Darin Erstad’s 1998 franchise record.
According to most oddsmakers, the Angels entered the matchup as -135 favorites on the moneyline, reflecting confidence in their strong recent form. The Marlins were listed as underdogs at +115, with the over/under set at 8.5 total runs. The final combined score narrowly cleared the line, landing on 11 runs.
The series continues Saturday with right-hander José Soriano (3-4, 3.57 ERA) scheduled to start for the Angels. The Marlins will counter with Cal Quantrill (3-4, 6.47 ERA).